MP3 downloads are, without a shadow of doubt, the dominant music format. More people are downloading music than buying CDs, cassettes or vinyl.
This is hardly surprising considering the accessibility of music online. But there has been an LP renewal over the past few years, with more records getting sold year on year.
In 2012, 4.6 million records were sold, which is a 17.7% increase on the previous year. Download sales reached 4.3 billion in 2012, which was a 12% rise from 2011. Although streaming services such as Spotify and music downloading pioneer iTunes are currently rule the roost, there is still a high demand for vinyl.
The stats for vinyl are nowhere near as impressive as those for download sales, but they’re pleasing nonetheless. Buying records isn’t as quick and easy as it is to download an album, so the dedication of those who spend their Saturdays rummaging through record stores and hunting down old classics is admirable. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, or a particular passion for the music, to click ‘download’. But to invest in a band’s record, buying the physical copy rather than turning to iTunes, is what the music industry was all about. Making time to listen to a record from start to finish, taking in the album sleeves’ artwork and showing your appreciation for the artist by parting ways with your hard earned cash is what keeps the industry afloat.
So save the downloads for the odd songs that don’t mean more to you than just a catchy chorus. Savour the vinyl revival, grab your 45s and take the time to find your new favourite song.
