If music piracy is not eliminated, the music industry will come to an end

Many musicians presently earn a living through many activities including performing, merchandising, and copyright royalties. However, recorded music arguably generates the most revenue for popular and independent musical acts. It is estimated that 12.5 billion dollars are lost every year due to music piracy (1). One might argue that although music piracy eliminates profit made from recorded music, it supposedly helps generate "buzz" about a new artist causing live-show-revenue to increase. However, while major-label artists may easily make money from touring, most independent musicians don't have financial support from a record label. This eliminates their american dream and forces them to accept a different occupation to make a living (2).

(1) http://www.riaa.com...

(2) http://riaa.com...

Let's assume everyone listened to free music and musicians' only true money-making opportunity was performing. At first, the most popular artists would not suffer because of funding for their shows from the label. However, independent artists would disappear. Hypothetically, if a person wanted to make a living off of performing music with a limited budget, where would he get his money from? He can't record a song and sell it because no one will buy it. Yes, he can use a recorded song for "promotion," but he will have no money for equipment and other costs necessary for on-the-road performances. He can try to gain fans by performing in clubs, but it is very unlikely his career will go beyond the local music scene. Major labels only sign musicians who SELL a substantial amount of records, so after this generation of popular artists passes on, they will have nothing to look for. Labels will turn to using any random, talentless person and turning them into a star. This will upset listeners

If nothing stops piracy websites, piracy will grow. Eventually, such a large amount of people will steal music that record companies will give up on trying to sell it. There are no signs of piracy slowing down. And I don't think there's always going to be people who are just going to continue to buy music when free downloading it is easier. Why should people buy what they can get for free? They'll turn to piracy. There's a chance that a few people will stick to buying music, but it won't be enough. Yes, it exists now, and the industry is fine, but piracy will grow.

If piracy didn't grow, there wouldn't be a huge problem and everything would continue the way it is today. But with nothing stopping it, almost no one will purchase music in the future causing a downfall in the music industry.