I had heard about it, talked to people and theorized about it. But I never really got it until I talked to my brother the other day. Listening to music has changed.
There are six years between Dave and I – not a very big age difference – but we are worlds apart when it comes to how we experience recorded music. He hasn’t bought CD in his life; I’m staring at a rack full of them. He listens to songs one at a time; I listen to albums. We discussed this while he sifted through songs (I should say singles) on his iPod touch. He said the reason I buy music is because I’m a musician. Is that the only reason?
Somewhere between Dave and I there is a watershed age. It may not be a hard line. Everyone at every age rips off music. But for those under the divide the cognition has changed. Instead of getting music for free, for them, music is free. That’s the way it has always been.
How old are you? What are your music habits?
Good point Dan – and very true! I’m 26 and my iPod is loaded with the CDs I have in my living room; I rarely download music. I think it comes down to artist loyalty. I buy albums of artists I have followed for years. Artists I grew up with. I buy them, not only to hear the music, but to support them. But the trend has changed. I dont think people follow artists anymore. Instead, it’s about individual songs (like you said your post). Forget the “tone” or “theme” of an album… when it comes to pop-culture, that doesn’t seem to matter.
As a musician, does this change the way you write songs?
I’m 22 (in a few weeks!) and I haven’t downloaded a song since the days of Napster (I think). I copy music from my siblings, but only cause I’m poor. I love buying full albums–you get the awesome tracks that aren’t as “popular” but are still amazing, and sometimes weird. Besides, there’s something about physically owning music–whether in CD, tape (oh es, I still have tapes) or record form. The iPod and iTunes are great and handy, but I will continue to buy actual CDs (when I have the money) and that, of course, includes yours.
hmmmmm… great question. Does it change the way I approach writing? This is something I’ve only started thinking about recently so I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I don’t think it will though, and this is why. I think I have always been trying to write that one “HIT” that will launch my career into ridiculousness. I think that’s the starting point for most songs anyway. I don’t really set out to write an album, they just happen. Maybe it will make the songwriting formulas more rigid though. Maybe I’ll start to hold a tighter reign on meandering verses and lengthening songs.
We’ll see I guess.