VideoGameCritic wrote:I find it a little hard to believe that streaming, which is comparable to the damn radio, is going to make up for all those album sales. I feel bad for musicians nowadays. The industry is going through a very awkward phase.
It's not really like the radio at all. Radio, you are subject to only hearing the songs the station puts on. With commercials and talk inbetween. And, it's only the hits you hear from an artist, no deep cuts.
Streaming, you can listen to any song or album that you can ever imagine. You can put together playlists of your own, or listen to predetermined playlists based on the genre. (this part is somewhat close to radio I guess).
For me, I still buy cds and the occassional record. I will never stop buying cds, as I like having the physical album. I've been collecting music my whole life.
However, streaming still has a place for me. When friends are over and hanging in the backyard, it's much easier to put on a streaming station and play "90s alternative stream" or whatever the mood calls for. Much better than the same old songs on the radio.
As well, I have discovered so many new bands that I never would hear otherwise. On my evening walks with my dog, I will put on an Indie rock playlist, and discover all kinds of cool new bands. When I find a band I really like, I'll go out and buy their album.
For me, I still buy cds because I find my attention span is all over the place when I have access to any band, album or song with streaming. It's almost too much choice, you know? when I buy a cd, I will give it a few listens to determine if I like it. Often times revisiting it years later, because I invested money it it and it's sitting on my cd shelf. With streaming, if I don't like something within the first minute, I skip it. I like the attention I have when I have the physical cd.
I understand why the mainstream has turned to streaming though. Why spend $15 on a cd when you can listen to it anytime you want with a monthly $10 fee? And, the sound quality is actually half decent compared to cd. In fact, there are lots of streaming companies offering fidelity comparable and greater to cd.
Streaming to me has good points and bad points. But let's face it, streaming is not going anywhere. They are too far down that rabbit hole.