For the past few years, global music sales have declined steadily. Despite burgeoning piracy, however, the music industry can proclaim — albeit with a sigh of relief — that it is not dead yet.
In 2005, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), global sales totaled 618.9 million units. And, despite a 19 percent decrease from the 762.8 million sold in 2001, the following fact still remains: CD purchases are an essential part of overall music sales.
Without a doubt, digital music sales have skyrocketed - generating revenues of $1.1 billion during 2005, and softening an industry-wide slump. Even so, one must remember that the world has not gone completely digital yet, even if marketing forces have shown that digital services, like iTunes, are all the rave!
During these transitory years, however, as we move from physical to digital, what are music lovers to do with the billions of CDs gathering dust in their collections? I posit that ‘la la’ is the key!
Move over, iTunes! Back up, Zune! ‘la la’ is set to take over the world!
A relative unknown, ‘la la’ has been called by PC Magazine the best online service for CD trading. For only one buck, ‘la la’ offers its users access to over 1.8 million titles, whether it be an old classic, like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” or current best-seller, “20 Y.O.” by Janet Jackson. No matter your musical tastes, there is something for everyone.
In addition, ‘la la’ has taken the unprecedented action of giving 20% of all revenues to the artists of all used CDs sold. In a letter to ‘la la’ users, founder Bill Nguyen notes: “Despite what is depicted on MTV's Cribs, a wonderfully entertaining show, most musicians don't live large with a big house and five cars. Rather, the majority of musicians struggle to make a living from their recordings and must depend on other income-producing activities such as performing concerts or selling merchandise.”
A business with a social conscious? Imagine that!
My suggestion: join the club and spread the word! I've already traded 96 CDs, and signing up is free. And, if you are familiar with Netflix, then you will enjoy the ease.
Step 1: List CDs you have, and select CDs you want.
Step 2: Trade CDs for $1 in the mail. (Prepaid envelopes are FREE!)
Dear reader, ‘la la’ and enjoy!
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
The emphasis on delivery systems is what has killed music. Plain and simple. Would the Beatles have created "Sgt. Pepper"; would Brian Wilson have created "Pet Sounds"; would Bruce Springsteen have created "Born To Run"...knowing the intended delivery system of choice was going to be a fucking cell phone speaker? Or a computer speaker for that matter?
Short answer there is no.
Which is why nobody creates music with that same kind of grand sweep in mind anymore.
I've had an article percolating in my head for months now on this very subject. One of these days...hopefully soon...it will come out.
-Glen