Historically, the widespread distribution of music has proven to be expensive. It used to be that having a lavish recording contract with major record label was virtually the only way to secure a nationwide audience. However, thanks to the Internet, there are now many options for an artist to get his music out there. Social networking sites have sections dedicated to performers for increased availability. Plus, sites such as CD Baby allow anyone with a legitimate studio recording to make their work public.
Once upon a time, the only way to make a professional recording was to go to an expensive music studio. This proved costly, because in addition to the fees for studio time, there was also the fact that artists had to hire producers, engineers and various other assistants. Nowadays, however, the advent of home recording technology has made it possible for anyone with a song to make a decent, radio-ready recording.
As home computers and Internet advances have become more sophisticated, it has become easier to obtain music free of charge online. The initial hit on the business was in the form of sagging album sales. If fans could get songs for free, then why pay for an album? A secondary effect was that many fans felt alienated by artists' protests against the practice.
The piracy of songs affected sales negatively at first. However, the business quickly found a way to meet the demands of those in search of instant gratification delivered in small installments thanks to websites that make individual songs available. Album sales may be down, but artists are able to still thrive or, failing that, at least survive thanks to companies such as iTunes.