What is happening with the music industry these days? The music world is always changing, but doesn’t it seem like it has undergone more changes than usual in the last decade or so? It sure does, and while some changes are welcome, others are making even the artists themselves a bit apprehensive. Need I say Spotify?

To be truthful, digital downloads and streaming have been in play for decades. Yet Apple Music used to rule the roost. Now Spotify rules the roost and has forced Apple to tap into the streaming industry itself. It’s all about streaming now vs downloading, so you don’t really even own the songs. Therefore, artists are forced to market their music in an effort to take royalty payments from streaming services based on a pool.

If that were all, that would be a big enough change. But the industry is being flooded with new artists. There is still the Billboard 200 and the most popular artists and songs, but more people these days are branching out and listening to different artists. There is YouTube, too, of course, and every artist out there has social media to promote his or her work.

It is like an infiltration of the celebrity circle. It could mean that fewer people make it ‘big’ in the music industry, like a spreading of wealth if you will. There is certainly nothing wrong with that. So what else is going on with the music industry?

Well, rock music is pretty much ding-dong dead. Have you noticed that? People love the classics, but not much new rock music is charting these days. Then you have KPop, which is one of the biggest movements the music industry has ever seen. That just goes to show, too, the way globalism and social networking has such an impact on culture across the world these days.

You should see the social media following some of these KPop bands have. It makes the days of Justin Bieber seem like nothing at all. It’s really something the way the music industry keeps evolving. Rap and hip-hop music is changing in major ways, too, and of course, pop music, in general, is back in the driver’s seat again.

Ed Sheeran is probably my favorite solo artist. Imagine Dragons would be my favorite group. Those are my favorite picks as far as modern music. Then there is Shawn Mendes. He is one of my favorites, too. Which of the artists and groups in today’s world are your favorites?

In the old days, getting a recording contract was the focal point for all musicians. If you didn’t have a record label backing you up, you couldn’t really expect to make a living through music. And if your sales drop, you get dropped by the label.

Yes, the music industry is still as cut-throat as it was back then, but there are many things that have changed as well. For example, musicians don’t need record labels to make money from their music. There are innovative platforms online that help musicians get the edge they need without even trying to impress a label.

The State Of The Music Industry Now

Apart from all the piracy that is going on, a lot of indie musicians are making their way onto the scene. How is this possible? Because they realized the internet can be a very powerful tool if you use it right. Now, all you need is some good music and the platform, then you can create your own fame.

That’s right, the music industry is not as exclusive as it used to be. The power is switching to the musicians, and they are getting into a position where they can cut the strings that record labels always keep pulling.

How Indie Musicians Are Doing It

If you are a musician or you have a band, and you want to live the dream without having to worry about record labels, here are some great suggestions.

– A YouTube Channel (Exposure)

People love their dose of YouTube every day, and it is a great place to set up a channel for your music. The best part is that they don’t need to be professional. As long as the quality is good enough for people to see and hear what’s going on, you’re good to go. Although, if you can use professional equipment, it does help.

– A Crowdfunding Page (Support)

Start a crowdfunding page where your fans can make donations. In return, you can send them special singles or free albums.

– Sell Your Songs On Bandcamp (Money)

Get those songs up on Bandcamp and sell them like a professional. You set the price, you choose the songs, and you choose the cover.

These are just some of the options you can use if you are a musician trying to break into the music industry. Forget about impressing labels when you have fans waiting.