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Internet Downloads: Music in a Click
In today’s digital centric world it is no surprise that music download sales have completely eclipsed those of actual CD singles. I can’t remember the last time that I braved the high street to purchase a CD single, when you can buy the song that you want with just a click of a button why waste the time? Many artists are opting to release their work solely through a digital platform, with bands such as Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails and Gorrilaz all choosing to release their latest work digitally before it eventually hits the shops. Of course many people still choose to go out and buy an album released by their favourite band, but if it is just one track that you are looking to purchase it seems that the age of collecting piles of CD singles is officially dead.
It is safe to say that any music fan would jump at the chance to listen to brand new material before it is officially released, which is one of the main attractions of digital downloads. Websites have been known to compete to be the first to offer a new release with newspapers, radio shows and blog sites all rushing to get that first play. This sense of immediate access is one that has sent digital downloads and hits on streaming sites to a whole new level, something which waiting in line in HMV could never really offer.
Although digital music platforms are a great way to ensure that fans can access recent releases, there is another side to the success of digital downloads. Digital sales are now counted towards the official music charts, which has made a dramatic impact on just what track is getting into the coveted Top 40. One of the prime examples of this is Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop believing’, the track was released as a single in 1981 however after resurfacing in student nights across the country in the 2000’s it is now one of the top twenty digital downloads of all time. Find out what songs are tearing up the digital charts this week, head to http://www.apple.com/itunes/charts/songs/