With the advancement of computer technology and its' application in the field of promotion comes its' inevitable pitfalls. These have been evident for quite some time but are only recently being recognised as rising as rapidly as the benefits that were, and still are, being lauded by those set to gain most from it.

For quite some time in the music industry it has been possible for artists to record and release albums without actually knowing having any personal contact with any of the other musicians involved. Quite an advancement one would think, but at what cost?

On the surface, everyone wins in this situation. Musicians, producers and promoters now have an instantly instantly opening door' to their audience with a vast reduction in costs, time and resources. The problem seems to lie, however, in that these apparent benefits do not appear to be being passed on in monetary terms to the consumer. Music production is definitely more slick' but this doesn't necessarily equate to better music as such and certainly doesn't suit a lot of artists.

While we get to see and hear what is dictated to us by record company, radio and television executives, the vast majority of artists these days no longer submit to the demands of such people. Why? Because they can. Any musician with a genuine belief in their music don't need to make a million dollars overnight; they're quite happy playing at a local bar. Why? Again, because they can. They don't need limousines and multi-million dollar studios to produce a three-minute song.

I read an article recently where one such musician, Bob Findlay, pointed out that The Beatles' first album was recorded with two overhead microphones and completed in eleven hours. Recently I was able to contact Findlay who seems somewhat bemused by the technological age. "How many major bands or acts could set up and play in your house today? Not many." He was quick to add, "Then again, I couldn't do what I'm doing without the technology available today. I just don't see the need for all of it." Findlay returned to the music industry early in 2007 and soon found himself taking his music to the internet as he said, ".it was the next logical step."

So with all of these advancements pertaining to the music industry one is left wondering if the quality of todays' music is directly proportional to the resources available. The answer won't be found on the latest "Billboard" charts or "N.M.E." magazine, but it will be found on the internet.

Learn more about this author, Steve Hamilton.
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