Relics.
We hear all the time about the chaos the music industry is going through in light of downloading. Well, I’ve thought of a way that the record industry can save itself.
Bring back vinyl.
I have come to the conclusion that maybe the CD’s days are numbered. If people want music for their iPod, car stereo, etc, they can download the MP3. If they want it in a physical format, they can buy the vinyl. I know it’s never really gone away, but I think there’s a lot more life left in the old vinyl format. To many people’s ears, it sounds better, plus you have to potential for proper, full-size album art, and to have an album formatted properly (side one, side two and so on). This sort of stuff is very desirable, as well as something you just don’t get with digital. There is something special about handling and putting on a record, as opposed to a CD, about having that big cover… it makes music seem more special and less of a disposable commodity.
So, downloads for the people who either want their fix of disposable music, or who only ever listen to music on the go, and vinyl for those who actually want to build a physical music collection. Maybe provide a voucher with every vinyl album purchase so people can officially download the digital version of the tracks for free.
I’ve always said I’m an ideas man. And speaking of good ideas, I’ve got to patent my design for a real musical instrument based on the Guitar Hero controller…
