How far do you think developments in technology have changed the way the music industry operates? Consider how new technologies have changed the relationship between audiences and artists.

Technology has changed many aspects of  the music industry because in modern society, many people who enjoy listening to music, often think music is free. Music can easily be accessed through a variety of different file sharing website. These websites enable anyone to only stream music, but also download music for free. Often artists feel betrayed by the fact that people would illegally listen to their music, rather then pay for it legit. In todays society, artists have no control over how people listen to their music, it could either be from a friend, through the radio, on various social networking sites such as facebook and YouTube. The fact that an artists music has been posted on various file sharing sites, means that the potential target audience may not want to purchase the single, because they do not like it, having heard it. The term 'leaked' usually means an unfinished song or album has been released before the offical release. Normally hackers leak artists music however recently, artists have been releasing certain songs in order to gain feedback. For example Kanye West introduced 'Good Friday' where he leaked certain songs every friday, in order to give fans an idea of what to expect on his next album and to recieve feedback. Record labels try to prevent an artists song or album leaking early because after the official release, their is a chance that sales will not be as high as projected due to the fact that many of the potential target audience may have already downloaded the album or song, therefore does not feel the need to purchase the a physical copy of the album or song. If this did happen, record labels have other ways in which they generate profit. If the chosen artist already has an image or brand identity which appeals to the selected target market, the record label can generate profit by selling tickets to the artist live, selling merchandise, for example clothes and accessories. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, enable artist to become more personal with their fans because they get to stay updated and have a chance to talk to the artist. Developments in technology have changed the music industry dramatically, and it can only change futher. The industry is changing everyday.