I have done my part in the past to support the music industry. In the early 80s I slept out on the streets of New Haven and Hartford, CT for tickets to metal bands.
I bought albums and spent extra on the special, limited edition versions.
I bought my first CD player in 1985, an NAD system (which nostalgically I still have) and replaced my album and cassette collections with CDs.
I bought extended dance versions.
I went to Glastonbury Music Festival, twice. I’ve been to Austin City Limits Festival, and South by Southwest.
But like you, I don’t buy CDs anymore. Neither do I buy my music at $0.99 a pop. I listen to Pandora. And yes Pandora, “I am still listening”, but I am not looking, so your ads are wasted on me.
There is no way in hell I’m going to fork out $250+ for a ticket to try to see a band live only to end up with my face pressed into the sweaty back of some hairy stranger and watching the band on a large screen next to and above the stage I can’t even see.
I don’t buy t-shirts, mugs, posters, lunch boxes, or notebooks with my favorite bands’ faces emblazoned on them.
I go to small venues and see mostly unknown local bands, mostly for free.
If I am the typical music fan, the music industry will soon be looking for a bail out. In the meantime, someone is funding my music habit and I would just like to say thank you and keep it up kiddo, you’re doing a great job.
PS – I am going to save this blog post so that in 2 years I can do a cut and replace for films.
