Should music be delivered digitally out of convenience, sacrificing an artist’s creative package or should artists continue to stand by the CD, which allows them to create a full idea delivered to the customer?
The question is whether there has to be a ‘music industry’ standard and if CDs go extinct in the next decade, will customers continue to want something they can physically hold and store in their shelves. Having music strictly online or on a mobile phone lessens a CDs creative validity. Mobile and online distribution has revolutionized the industry although it has also taken something away from it. CDs protect and support the idea of an artist creating a full album with a set number of tracks and song order, and album art to convey an idea or theme.
CDs should remain the standard while the digital option should be available for the iPod generation. Struggling to open the packaging of a newly CD, and knowing that you have it in your hands on the day of its release is a precious feeling. The CD, much like the vinyl record before it, is a treasured piece of work. Music should be delivered and treated with distinction. How it’s packaged to the public can be one of distribution’s strong points. Ultimately the music ends up getting played in your ears.
