“Digtial music” for the people today means downloading tracks one-by-one, often in a DRM protected format. Having to do so knowing that our present music library – stored on CDs, vinyl or cassettes – also has to be digitalized which requires a deep knowledge of technology and a vast amount of time. Otherwise those tracks already paid for, have to e purchased again. Customers have to face the fact, that they are forced to pay for music before they could listen to it – a model that makes discovering new music very hard.
It is of no wonder, that due to the fatigue of the transition using digital music services hasn’t been a very attractive alternative as of today, while the desire of their main target audiences (the 18 – 35 year olds) to listen to new music and to be able to listen to it anytime, and anywhere hasn’t diminished, but grown – rapidly. This need can not be fulfilled by traditional radio either, forcing people to use illegal methods of sharing music, as this seems to be the only option for them to listen to new music they like, that fits their personality and mood – on a comfortable and affordable way.
The popularity of sharing of music (despite it’s illegal aspects) and the availability of such services have changed music listening habits permanently. Audiences of today require the ability to reach new music effortlessly and without high (if any) expenses.