Think about the music industry in the 1970s. There were no CDs, no mp3s, and on iTunes. In fact, there was no internet! If you wanted to listen to your favorite song, you had to go out and buy the vinyl record or cassette tape. Remember how pure 1974 r&b hits were back in the day? Only a handful of people enjoyed it at a local music store. Marketing for musicians was a whole different ball game back then. Let’s take a look at how music marketing has changed since the 70s.
The Rise of the Internet
The internet changed everything; it turned the game sideways. Suddenly, musicians could share their music with the entire world with a few clicks of a mouse. This was an absolute game-changer for the music industry. Musicians no longer had to rely on record labels to promote and distribute their music. The internet allowed artists to connect directly with their fans, which gave them a lot more control over their careers.
The Advent of Social Media
Social media has also played a huge role in the way music is marketed. Musicians can now use social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to connect with their fans and promote their music. Social media has given musicians a whole new way to reach their fans and build relationships with them. It’s also allowed musicians to build a fanbase online, which can be very helpful when it comes to selling albums and tickets.
Spotify and iTunes
Digital platforms like Spotify and iTunes have made CDs and Cassettes obsolete. These platforms allow people to listen to their favorite songs online, which has changed the way people buy and listen to music. Digital platforms have also made it easier for musicians to sell their music directly to fans.
YouTube
Music videos weren’t a thing until MTV started playing them in the 1980s. But nowadays, almost everyone has a phone with a camera, so it’s easier than ever for musicians to make music videos and share them online. YouTube has become a huge platform for promoting music, and many artists have found success by releasing their music videos on YouTube.
The Bottom Line
So, how has music marketing changed since the 70s? It’s safe to say that it’s changed quite a bit! The internet and social media have completely revolutionized the way musicians market their music. Musicians now have more control over their careers than ever before, and they can use social media to connect with their fans in a very personal way. It’s an exciting time to be a musician!
