With applications that offer users the same music experience from their computers, people are now enjoying the trend of bringing their favorite tunes with them wherever they go. Smart devices (handsets and tablets) are now able to keep mp3 and mp4 files that they can repeatedly listen to while in and out of their houses. In fact, as these gadgets are able to connect to the internet, downloading music and watching music videos on YouTube are not all new to us. In August 2013, eMarketer reported that more than 99 percent of mobile users use their smartphones to listen to tunes (saved or online). The study concluded that it is expected to continue growing through 2015. In this post, we want to discuss how mobile technology has and will continue to revolutionize the music industry.
Increase in mobile music consumption
Sometime in our modern digital life, we witnessed a trend in music-focused handsets such as Nokia’s Xpress, Sony Ericsson’s Walkman phones and more. Today, apart from having almost similar chipset as the PCs, smartphones are able to provide us seamless music experience especially when online. Based on a survey done by AYTM Market Research in late 2013, 60.4 percent use their smartphones when listening to music, 47.8 percent are still connected with their iPod or MP3 players, and 24.1 percent with their tablets. The same study also showed there 72 percent of mobile users access music-related apps and pay subscription services.
Assisting musicians
Since 2010, there has been a discussion whether the famous iPad could replace the laptop as DJ’s work companion. With applications that assist them in turning their mobile tablets into their portable turn tables, many professional and novice mixers are now maximizing their gadgets into creating their own tracks and beats. Here are a few top apps you can try out:
1. Djay – With its ability to sync your work from your Mac to your iPad, this application deserves to be one of the best in mixing applications on the iTunes store. Its interface is organized and simple in appearance, making it unintimidating for seasoned and starting DJs. Similar to the look of your traditional turntable, it offers a space to mix on the top part of the screen while showing a list of your album below, and a few space for buttons and cheesy effects. It costs $19.99, but the Djay 2 for iPad is also available for $9.99.
2. Spotify – One of the most popular Android and iOS free app for listening music is the Spotify that allows users to search via track name, album title, or artists and listen to their singles or complete album for free.This is a great platform to share your art form with the world, and connect with the people who also have the same passion as you.
3. Caustic – Bring your own rack-mount synthesizers or rigs in your tablet the next time you go to your gig. A music creation tool, it has a built-in 14 machines, including BassLine (303-like monosynth), Organ (Hammond-like tonewheel organ with rotary speaker), and Subsynth (virtual analog stractive synthesizer). Caustic also comes with reverb effects and song sequencer. Similar to the Djay, it costs $9.99 for iOS and Android device users.
The industry is maximizing mobile services
Artists such as the Drake and Lil Wayne has released their own application with in-app purchases. Along with their concert tour, the two artists were seen battling on an app published by Capcom. Similar to the Street Fighter scenes, Drake and Lil Wayne fight to win the rap battle. Another way for them to maximize mTech is by being active on social platform to advertise their recent and upcoming tracks and albums. Musicians such as Taylor Swift has helped her create a strong fan group online via her Intagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. Even music schools are into this trend such as the Brady Academy of Music and their barcode image that leads directly to their responsive mobile site. Chief marketing officer of Crush Music Dan Kruckkow said in an interview with Billboard.com, “as much effort as you put into making your album or your video, [social] content is equally important.”
Overall, as we experience a newer wave of mobile technologies in the form of wearables, the music industry will soon find its way to this new devices and offer us a more virtual way of listening to our favorite tunes soon. How do you expect to listen to your favorite tracks in the future?
