The digital downloading of music has radically changed the music industry. It has changed the way music is purchased, but has also triggered the start of a 'culture of piracy' meaning illegal downloading. When the invention of the cassette came (1970s) the BPI created an anti piracy campaign. Today we see the music industry do the same with the present situation over digital downloads. With iTunes recently making its 10 billionth track mark, digital download could be considered as a major push forward the music industry.
However, Ian Condry points out that there is no way to stop illegal copying, he says that “downloading music is ethical provided we support artists who are important to us”. Even by saying this is still shows there is still a huge problem with illegal downloads, I think in the future you will still see legal digital downloading but artist earning their money more in advertising and live events, then the music itself.
The comparison with the rise of the compact cassette is an apt one and the conclusion that artists will have the potential to earn money from alternative sources of revenue is also sensible.
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