Changes that have taken place in the music industry in recent years have drastically affected the Latin music marketplace and its ability to create and further this distinctive Universal sound.
The amount of new music available to Latin music lovers has radically diminished due to a sharp decline in production. Record labels have taken a sharp hit through years of waning CD sales and have virtually stopped offering contracts to new artists. Additionally, established artists are recording less frequently, further impacting business in a damaging fashion.
Due to this dearth of new product, along with the globalization of Latin music programmed by radio broadcasting conglomerates, the well-informed music lover has turned to other methods in seeking out their Salsa, Latin Jazz and other favorite sounds.
Since the arrival of the PC, computer-literate music lovers have found it easy to gain access to new and old recordings by using the Internet. They are listening to album clips and downloading songs of their choosing, for 99 cents or less, rather than journeying to a record store with hopes of tracking down particular recordings.
Downloaded songs can be copied to mobile MP3 players, burned onto a CD, or just set aside for occasional enjoyment while browsing the web or practicing dance steps at home. With web sites like LatinCoolNow.com, Latinoise, Exitosmusical and Musica360 offering great Latin recordings for downloading, Latin music shall live on ... Y que viva la Musica!
Marin, Bobby 2005
latinconsultants@aol.com
Bobby Marin is a 40 year veteran of the Latin Music industry as recording artist, composer, arranger and producer of over 100 albums. Managed United Artists Latino Records, Orfeon Records, Salsa Records among others.