Statistics music blogs need to pay attention to
Journalists are often called the “fourth branch of government” because of the influence the press has on politics. This influence also matters in music journalism. Music journalists are the gatekeepers of what is cool and worth the consumers’ time, and have influence on what gets attention.
With this great power comes great responsibility. In order to be effective taste-makers, music journalists need to be informed about trends in the industry that might affect the scene.
Digital music distribution is on the rise
It’s no secret that physical music sales will soon be a thing of the past, and that day is quickly approaching. In 2014, digital music sales increased 6.9 percent, putting it on par with physical sales, both making up 46 percent of industry sales.
According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, global digital music revenue added up to $6.9 billion. Part of that revenue includes streaming services, which IFPI said shows no sign of slowing down.
“Subscription services, part of an increasingly diverse mix of industry revenue streams, are going from strength to strength,” IFPI said. “Revenues from music subscription services — including free-to-consumer and paid-for tiers — grew by 39 percent in 2014 and growing consistently across all major markets.”
Music journalists should know how consumers are consuming the content they are reporting on. Physical sales are dead in the water, so music journalists should start utilizing the platforms the audience is also using. This means curating playlists on Soundcloud, making a Spotify account for users to follow and getting involved with internet radio, something Vice already has a leg up on with their time slot on the new Beats 1 radio station.
Pop sells
The Frozen soundtrack was the best selling album of 2014, according to IFPI. This family-focused album would be the best seller no matter what the critics deem the album of the year.
Grammy winner for Album of the Year in 2014, Morning Phase by Beck, didn’t even crack the top 10 best selling albums of the year, according to IFPI. Neither did critical darlings like LP 1 by FKA Twigs, You’re Dead! by Flying Lotus or Are We There by Sharon Van Etten. The rest of the albums on the list were other pop giants like One Direction and Lorde, and another soundtrack to the movie Guardians of the Galaxy.
Music journalists should recognize that public opinion on great music will not always align with critical reception. Keep in mind, Ed Sheeran doesn’t need exposure on Pitchfork. He is doing just fine.
The fact a music journalist’s opinion doesn’t change the tides of the music landscape should not be disheartening, but freeing. Music journalists do not need to adhere to public opinion, because Frozen will sell 10 million copies regardless of the reviews. This give music journalists the freedom to explore lesser-known acts and provide new artists exposure.
People want to see boy-bands, country artists and old people play music live
People love country music, despite its formulaic nature. Almost one third of top selling concerts were for country artists. Other top acts were big name pop groups, classic rockers and of course Dave Mathews Band, who are known for summer-long, improvised concerts and puka shell necklaces.
Of the top 15 best selling live acts, only One Direction also had a top ten best selling album, according to Statista. Let this be proof that concerts and studio albums are two different animals. Music journalists should consider that a top selling album will not necessarily result in a top selling concert. Instead, the concert scene will be dominated by adults, who can afford concerts, and adults like country music and classic rock.
Take note music journalists, there are specific groups that dominate the concert scene. But also keep in mind, these groups are likely not your audience. Unless you are running the country music blog The Boot, don’t worry yourself with what live act is hot this year. Go to a dive bar and review a local band, because that’s what your audience wants. People who love music, read about music and delve deep into music likely won’t be seeing Luke Bryan live.
There are a lot of blogs, and people listen to them
People care about what blogs have to say. According to Social4Retail, 81 percent of consumers trust blogs. This means, even if music journalists can’t change the music landscape with one blog post, they can influence individual readers. Journalists opinions carry weight, so remember what you say can influence others.
According to Social4Retail, 23 percent of all internet usage is on blogs and social media. This is a significant portion of the internet. Remember to stand out through quality reporting and valuable insight, because there is a lot of competition out there.
