Music On The Internet

When you hear pundits discussing Internet music, they mostly play up the negative aspects of it. They always talk about the fact that music on the Internet has driven down record sales around the world, and that the music industry is on the verge of collapse. Although they do overstate the case, they do make a point. Music on the Internet really is changing the face of the music industry. The changes, however, are more positive than they would have you believe.

First of all, you have to realize that not all music on the Internet is free music downloads traded by pirates. Quite a bit of Internet music is actually legally downloaded and shared. One of the great things about online music is that it allows smaller independent bands to really court fans in a way they couldn't before. They can put their music on websites, bit torrent search clients, or any other places they want. That way, fans can listen to them and decide if they liked them. As small bands make more money from shows than from records, this is a godsend to local independent music groups and their fans.

And then of course, there's Internet radio. Listening to the radio online is a great experience. For most fans of music, there will be at most one or two stations they like around town. With Internet radio however, you can listen to basically anything you like. You can find bluegrass music on the Internet, rock country, tango, polka – you name it you've got it. And this Internet radio isn't just a boon to the consumers, it's a boon to the artists as well.

You see, online Internet radio exposes fans to bands they never have had a chance to hear before. You might check out an Internet music station because they play a particular band you like, only to hear three other songs from three other bands that are as good or better in your opinion. Obscure bands are on equal footing with more mainstream corporate ones. Clear Channel and the other big media giants don't control music on the Internet – the consumer does. You listen to what you want when you want. If you like it, you can go see shows or play the podcasts for your friends. Bands with virtually no publicity network get people all over the world listening to them. You can't get that attention by flyering!

Summary: Music on the internet is everywhere! Big names in music would have you beleive all music is stolen from the musicians when in fact the music is shared responsibly. Music is also purchased online, and in greater amounts than sold in stores these days. Independent bands can find a bigger audience using the internet and its resources.

Related Articles:

Independent Music

Promote Your Music

Related Sites: