Connor Lott - The Ethics of Music Consumption Lyrics

I went to the record store, the radio's playing, next to the walkman that is hanging
The cassette tape is obsolete, 8 tracks dated by mp3s
Compact discs are almost gone, replaced by Apple shuffles, touches, and phones
ITunes changed the purchasing game, selling more singles than albums made

This is how we consume music through all of these devices
This is how we consume music it's an ethical dilemma

Computers started the internet problem, file sharing songs so no one bought them
LimeWire, Napster, YouTube Converter, helped ruin music sales then to the future
Streaming was introduced to the scene, Spotify leading in music streams
Is this platform making profits? Or are they taking money from other pockets?

This is how we consume music, please consider what's been stated
This is how we consume music please make ethical decisions

Is it ethical for individuals to consume music for less than fair value
Even if it hurts financially and even if other consumers disagree? The answer is no

With poor music compensation, people are not paid properly
And in many circumstances there are lost jobs, lower wages, less resources
And overall a less quality process and experience

What may seem relatively simple within the music industry is highly complex and collaborative
Therefore music costs a person or company large amounts of resources, time, and money
It does not matter whether the owner of the music is a billionaire or in poverty
They still need to be compensated properly

There are many ways to gain access to music, both illegally and legally
Whether through pirating, streaming or purchasing
Therefore, it is not an external factor that should direct music consumption habits
But internal ethical habits that should impact the actions of music consumption

Will we have the integrity to consume music for the fair market value
In order to compensate artists, producers, songwriters
And everyone involved in the music industry fairly?
Though the top music industry executives and top artists make a lot of money
Through the money multiplier effect and many other economic principles
There are more jobs created, more industries supported, and positive economic growth

By supporting ethical music consumption, you directly or indirectly are supporting yourself
Consider these words, and hopefully you come to the conclusion to ethically consume music

Will you ethically purchase music, through the avenues that are current
Whether that be through streaming or downloads, just because it's legal does it mean it's moral?
Now the decision is up to you, there's no one stopping you from music misuse
But please consider the current dilemma, you can be the change of this generation