Music Consumption

iTunes, Napster, Limewire, YouTube downloader and HMV digital are all ways of downloading music both legally and illegally. For years music has progressed and is now a key part of peoples lives. Many artists in the music industry have said that the main reason they make music, is to make people aware of their art, and that the money is just an exciting extra. I agree with this and I believe that although downloading free music is illegal, the music industry would not be able to survive without it. When people download a song either legitimately or illegally they are going to share this music. This creates a larger fan base and greater recognition for the artist, therefore increasing numbers of people that would go out and buy a ticket to their concert. Personally I buy music from both the internet and high street stores, but it seems impractical that to have a keen interest in music it could prove very costly. It is a naive way of thinking to believe that someone has never illegally downloaded a song. I think that our generation, in the 21st century, are very fortunate. There are so many ways to get hold of music through TV, radio, youtube videos, iTunes and the increasingly outdated high street store. We have the capability to diverge into different genres and styles of music and to widen our understanding of other countries' cultures, beliefs and other peoples ways of thinking. In comparison to the 20th century, this century that has lasted only twelve years has progressed in a way like never before. As well as technology, music has matured and conformed to deal with the different way we live today.