Production

From the start of the 21st Century, the production in the music industry has changed drastically. We have seen records change into tapes, which have changed into C.D's. The real change in recording labels emerged at the end of the 1980's when we saw the introduction of the "Big 6" in terms of music companies. These were to include; emi. cbs, bmg, PolyGram, wea and mca. Although this "Big 6" was to change in 1987 when Sony Music bought over cbs and then changed it's name officially to Sony Music in 1991. Later in 1998 PolyGram merged with Seagram to become Universal Music Group, thus meaning the "Big 6" became the "Big 5". It was then in 2003 that "iTunes" became available to download music legally from the internet. This was the birth of legal digital downloads and the start of the popular internet music distribution, as in 2009, over a quarter of all recorded music revenues were now coming from the internet. Now this means artists rely heavily on merchandise and live performances to gather the majority of their money for their music, meaning they are now more dependent on music promoters. 
          Another major change in the music industry is the fact that music studios no longer need to be used in order to make music, as people can record using their laptops or iPad's as long as they have the suitable software. A clear example of this would be The Gorillaz, as the front man Damon Albarn told NME that he was planning to record the second album using just his iPad. This means less money is spent on recording and people don't see a need in even finding a record label at all. This then causes problems for music records and recording studios as they are no longer needed in the production and the Los Angeles Times have reported that half of the recording facilities in the city have failed. This has lead to digital music selling very cheaply, with most songs being under £1 to download. Although, the recording software has started to increase in price, meaning corporations such as Apple receive most of the money.
          Justin Bieber was discovered through producing his own music via Youtube. This can be used as a very good example of how music producers and recording studios are no longer needed to be used in the production of music. Justin simply posted a few videos of himself onto Youtube and as he did he increased in views, until Usher and Justin Timberlake both wanted to sign him. Justin Bieber then chose to sign with Usher and now has become an international popstar sensation. The fact that music producers and studios no longer are needed it means that the music is more raw and therefore aren't as auto tuned, and instead sell their music based not heir music and not just try to sell the person as a product like many artists today. However, this does mean that more people are less "airbrushed" and anyone can be an artist if they want to be now.
         Although, despite all the negativity advanced technology gets from the music industry, it is due to these technological advantages, such as iPod's, mp3 players, phones etc. that people are now listening to music more frequently and it become apart of their lives. The lack of a power a record company now has means artists find it easier to directly market their music and communicate with the public about it. However, it is a fact that from every c.d or single bought or downloaded, 40 are "stolen" or shared illegally. Another way in which the internet has actually benefited the music industry is people are able to sample different genres and artists they normally wouldn't and it also gives them the opportunity to check out the other songs on their albums and end up becoming a fan of the artist, which you normally wouldn't have done. It is also a good way for fans to communicate with each other. This means they can recommend similar artists and songs to people, therefore getting even more artists recognition.