Have you ever read public opinion polls and just thought to yourself, “Duh, I already knew that,” after looking at the results? Just like when I read the CNN polls that ask who the people’s choice for each party will be in the 2008 presidential election – hmmm, maybe they’ll choose the candidates with the biggest name recognition – I had a major “Duh!” moment after reading a recent Rolling Stone/Associated Press Poll on the state of today’s music industry.
According to the poll more than half of American adults are unhappy with the industry’s growing prices for lackluster products. Of those polled, 74 percent think that CDs are too expensive, but 58 percent of respondents find $0.99 downloads to be a reasonable alternative, even though only 26 percent reported actually using this service.
Another 58 percent feel that music on the whole is getting worse and even less surprisingly, younger listeners are even more dissatisfied with the current quality of music.
So has anyone had their “Duh!” moment yet, because I sure have. I hardly find it surprising that many people have a problem shelling out $15-20 for a collection of 15 lackluster songs from artists in an industry that is profiting exponentially, yet is failing to produce more original and inspiring acts.
Anyone else needing proof that the music industry has been sucking lately should go pick up Mr. Kevin Spears’ latest compilation.
My favorite “finding” from this poll, however, was the fact that “illegal” downloading is not what is killing the music industry – it’s too much bad music. The poll showed that those who download music are the ones who are most likely to buy the CDs.
It makes sense – since virtually every radio station plays the same five songs repeatedly, the Internet is the only arena where original music exists. It’s where I and millions of our generation go to find new and original music. And I am sorry that I don’t feel bad about not shelling out $20 for the newest U2 CD and contributing to their enormous album sales. I will continue to buy albums from new and intriguing artists that I find on the Internet. The Internet is where I found at least 75 percent of my latest album purchases, and I am sure many more people have done the same.
So what have we learned, kids? Not a heck of a lot, considering that most of us already knew the results of this poll.
So how do we fix the music industry? It starts with labels finding and cultivating better talent and taking chances on bands that may not typically be considered “mainstream talent.” It also involves not cracking down on your best customers – those crazy college kids who are looking to “steal” music – by raising CD prices. The answers are obvious, so changing public opinion should be a no-brainer. And all I have to say about this is, DUH!
Allard can be reached at dallard@campustimes.org.
