I am preparing to release my mixtape on compact disc (CD). ‘But no one buys CDs anymore’ I (probably) hear you say. I felt the same, until I did some research.
In an age where music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal dominate the industry, it’s easy to assume that physical music formats like CDs are becoming obsolete. However, many music fans still purchase CDs of their favourite artists, even when they have access to the same music through streaming. One reason for this is the act of collecting and the desire to be a completist.
CD sales experienced a revival in 2021, with industry unit sales of CDs up two percent, falling again in 2022 to sales of 34 million items1. Despite the growth in 2021 (and still considerable numbers in 2022), there has been little information on the independent music artist who releases their own CDs, because their sales are mostly untracked by Nielsen Soundscan or other organisations2. Independent artists make most of their CD sales at concerts; some artists sell their CDs on platforms like Bandcamp and their own websites. According to Disc Makers 2, 22 percent of all CDs sold in the US are self-released by independent artists. Additionally, CD sales among emerging artists have declined less over the past decade than for major artists, and sales of self-released CDs among DIY artists were up slightly in 2022.
So, what’s going on? In my experience, CD collecting is a way to show support for favourite artists for many music fans. Purchasing a CD is a direct way to support the musicians they love and to contribute to their success. This is especially true for independent artists or those without a major label backing. For these artists, CD sales can be a vital source of income.
And so those reasons are why I am releasing my mixtape on CD. What do you think? Do you buy new music on CD? Let m e know in the comments, or drop me a line!
[1] https://www.hiresaudio.online/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-compact-disc
[2] https://blog.discmakers.com/2022/02/cd-revival-in-the-making/
[3] https://blog.discmakers.com/2022/02/cd-revival-in-the-making/