Music Industry: Predictions for 2012

The music industry has changed a lot since the tape records we used to be into. Music was originally distributed in records, then cassette tapes, then C.D'S (Compact Disks). In 2011, record sales have been seriously affected by the surge of illegal downloading. Less and less people are paying for music because they can download music for free. This has been counter acted with websites such as i tunes, where people can pay for individual tracks. Another example of this is Amazon.

As music is now distributed online, music stores such as HMV now face serious threat. The downfall of Zavvi confirmed this. Because of this, I predict that in 2012 there will be more of a pressure for online stores to make music more accessible.

Most artists make their money from gigs, which also can bring them around the world. This is also an opportunity for them to sell merchandise; which is another revenue for current artists. It is important for artists to have dedicated fans that will go to concerts and buy merchandise as it funds the music itself.