When people think of the music industry, many see it spiraling downward.
In an interview with Planet Rock, Gene Simmons, legendary bassist/vocalist for the band KISS, said he feels the fans caused the demise of the music industry, "The sad part is that the fans are the ones who are killing the thing they love: great music. For f***’s sake, you're not giving the next great band a chance” Simmons continued.
Because of illegally downloading music, he blames the fans for killing the possibility of new bands to make a living off of making music. He believes that millions of dollars are being lost due to downloading illegally.
Although I believe that this is true, illegally downloading music is a crime and it may be the demise of the music industry, I don’t believe that the music is dead. More and more artists are trying to make it big. I believe that the internet is allowing musicians to get their breaks into fame. Although their music is being pirated, the industry is shifting to compensate.
New marketing techniques are being used to reach new audiences. Apps like Spotify and Pandora are allowing people to get a glimpse of music they would enjoy, so they can go out and purchase the music, buy concert tickets and obtain band merchandise.
Giving away music for free on sites like Bandcamp and Noisetrade allows musicians to get their name out there. When someone is interested in music, they do their own searching and find music that they like.
Musicians have to prove themselves to be unique and really market themselves in a genuine way. With the overwhelming amount of music out there, new artists can easily blend in, but exposure to the right people or enough people can get them, and their music, the attention that they need.
I do believe that the industry is flooded with talentless people that crave fame. There are musicians that are in it for the wrong reasons. The music, the passion and the emotions that music makes people feel are the reasons why musicians should be in.
Music is very powerful. Music saves lives, sparks passion and revives hearts. It creates communities of people that are connected on levels deeper than simple common interests. It allows people to feel things that they haven’t before. It’s used for worship, self-expression or to have a good time. Many people listen to music to pass the time or for relaxation.
Although the industry may be dead, the music is not. Music is alive and thriving more than ever before.
