Over the past several years during the emergence of the digital age, the music industry has been on a steady decline due to the overly reliant use on streaming devices and pirating.

According to Neil S. Tyler from the University of Pennsylvania Law Review, music sales have dropped dramatically since the digital age began.

“95 percent of music is downloaded illegally, for free, on a yearly basis,” said Tyler. “In 1999, overall music sales reached a peak of $14.6 billion in total revenue and by 2009, that number had fallen to only $6.3 billion.”

In simply a decade, music sales have dropped by more than half the original number. It is no coincidence considering online streaming of songs has increased according to Victor Luckerson from Time magazine.

“The number of songs streamed through services like Spotify, YouTube, and Rhapsody increased 32 percent to 118.1 billion in 2013,” said Luckerson.

Pirated music and streaming music makes it almost impossible for musicians to make money from their music. Artists like Jay-Z, Jack White, and many others are creating a brand for themselves. They aren’t just musicians; they are entrepreneurs.

Crystal Bell, a writer for the Huffington Post, suggests musicians make less than expected from digital album sales.

“A musician must sell 171 album downloads at $9.99 to earn a monthly wage minimum of $1,160,” said Bell.

A musician that can’t make money off of their music jeopardizes the quality of music fans receive. Up-and-coming musicians often become discouraged since they cannot afford to make music.

Nikta Hashemi, an 18-year-old student at Moorpark College, doesn’t think twice about downloading free music.

“If it’s a small artist I feel bad [about downloading], but if it’s Kanye West then I don’t because he has a ton of money,” said Hashemi.

When musicians can’t afford to make music, they tend to sell themselves out for a ‘hit’ in order to make money. There will be less Bob Dylan’s and more Carly Rae Jepsen’s. Therefore, everyone’s favorite underground band will no longer exist.

Models like Spotify and YouTube are great and easy to access, but they are huge issues for musicians who want to make money by selling music.

“The only solution is to develop a platform that is better than free and provide benefits listeners couldn’t get through illegal downloads,” said Luckerson.

Artists must now find creative ways to increase hard copy sales. This means including something in the hard album that consumers cannot get online. For example, Taylor Swift’s new album, 1989, is packed with polaroid photographs and sales codes for a chance to win concert tickets.

Simple ideas like Swift’s are crucial for anyone who intends to increase sales of tangible albums.

Unfortunately (for musicians), “[these] models are the future,” said Luckerson.

These models will no doubt be the future of music however, listeners don’t realize the full impact of their actions.

The damage has already been done, but maybe with a little creativity fans can keep those up-and-coming musicians making music.

There is no realistic way for listeners to completely stop their habited ways, but it is still possible to support the traditions of the music industry. Instead of burning a cd for free, fans can buy every other album. Going to live shows, supporting local musicians, and not giving in to Spotify temptations are also other ways to keep the music industry alive. Music lovers should take initiative sooner rather than later before it’s too late.