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The future of entertainment

Entertainment has changed drastically over the years. From vinyl records to CDs and boomboxes to mp3’s, how we acquire and enjoy music has evolved (for the better – or worse if you think).
One most notable aspect of the music industry that has been the topic of some fiery debates is illegally downloading music. Arguments have been made that it hurts the artist, because how can an artist create their art without the money to fund their work?
The flip side of this argument is the fact that popular artists are already rich and make the bulk of their money off of tours and advertising. Many artists have even used social media as a means of making more money. Most celebrities on social media are definitely not on it just to communicate with the fans (if they are the ones truly maintaining their account). For example, all the Kardashians advertise their beauty products, post baby starlets advertise waist cinchers (Kelly Rowland, Yandy Smith-Harris, Erica Mena).
Nonetheless the internet and millions of downloading sites have made it easy to bypass actually paying for music, practically making a sport out of catching album leaks before the label cleans them off the internet.
We no longer live in the day and age when we have to wait outside the record store or search the stands for the new Destiny’s Child album or Mariah Carey CD. The only danger you can truly encounter online is accidentally downloading an aggressive virus that plagues your browser wth a puke green search engine. .
Luckily, rather than sit around complaining about their music being stolen, many artists have adapted to these changes. Many underground, up and coming artists use free downloading as a tool to get their music heard and spread around. More mainstream artists have turned to music streaming apps such as Spotify and Jay Z’s new platform, Tidal.
Backed by a reputable list of A-list artists such as Kanye West, Madonna, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Chris Martin and of course, Jay’s wife, Beyonce, Tidal was launchedat the end of March. Yetnow about a month later, the app doesn’t seem to be doing so well. It has actually boosted the sales of its rival, Spotify. Nonetheless, it seems that artists have realized the minimal profits they may receive from a music streaming service is better than the money lost when people pirate music. The internet, downloading, and social media has changed the music game forever and will continue to affect how artists conduct business and how we enjoy music.

Written by Dominique Barrett

Dominique was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She moved to San Diego her freshman year and started off high school as a Sundevil. She's played volleybal for the school since she's been here and is now on Varsity, she also joined staff as a sophomore. By her junior year she was appointed to the News editor. Another accomplishment would be when she was chosen to be a Sundevil Standout her sophomore year. Dominique has had a colorful Sundevil experience and looks forward to many more.

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