Does the emergence of the digital download signal the end for the music industry?

The common assumption that new digital technology could destroy the recording industry is exemplified by the cover of Wired magazine (2/03). Playfully re-contextualizing Apple’s iTunes slogan, it shows a zeppelin going down in flames, and reads ‘Rip. Mix. Burn: The Fall of the Music Industry’ says Ian Condry. It is not a new situation that there is probably a decline in the music market since the emergence of digital download as the general moral in society seems to be “why pay for it when you can get it for free?” This notion can be seen attached to youngsters as the DRM are trying to teach them that downloading is stealing. Like Condry puts it: ‘the problem is cultural and the consequences are economic.” It seems that society today does not value the efforts made to create pieces of music, digital downloading is not necessarily the end for the music industry but it is definitely the reason for the downfall.