Music Executive Courtney William Holt began collecting records from Greenwich Village as a teen, after being introduced to British Punk—such as The Jam (listen to “David Watts”) and The Smiths (listen to “This Charming Man”)—at band camp, of all places.

In the hype of the 90’s music craze, that one song you wanted came with 18 others on a CD. Music didn’t have a consumer relationship, in fact it never even considered the consumer—all thoughts were with radio, TV, and the press. Holt argues the consumer lashed back at the lack of consideration with CD burning and Napster.

This process terrified the music business. However, some began to argue, maybe not all businesses are meant to last forever.

Nowadays, artists think about the customer and a digital connection. The creation of Myspace captured an experience with fans, of self-expression, community, and consumption. From there, spawned YouTube and Facebook; everyone accidentally became a consumer.

Holt believes the music industry needs to evolve licensing, global distribution, and take more risks. Otherwise, it’s six-feet-under.

Image provided by Folk Media

Sourched: TedxTalks

Curated: Online Editor Aryssah Stankevitsch @stnkvtsch