Music downloading vs. the record store down the street

Happy Trails on 3rd and Monroe Corvallis has been in business for 35 years. The store has always brought us the best in hard to find and independent music. As we enter an age of digital technology where the downloading of music becomes easier and easier they see business getting harder and harder.

According to Doug DiCarolis, Happy Trails owner, the first big hit came against them came in the late 90’s with the invent of Napster. Since Napster was introduced and made music sharing become widespread Music stores all over the world have had problems staying in business.

Now days we’ve moved on to I-tunes a totally legit process of music downloading music. The problem with I-tunes is that although the music is all paid for and legal, it still doesn’t help the small record store. According to Doug, it takes away from the artistic qualities of the musician, “You don’t get the packaging and the sound quality’s not as good. People just don’t care.”

Doug pointed out a similar industry that’s starting to walk down the same line and that’s the book industry. What need is there going to be for a local bookstore when you can just download any book onto your electronic organizer. All it’s going to do is put more people out of work and ad to the already struggling economy.

One surprising thing that we’re seeing come out of this era of music downloading is believe it or not a rise in the sales of vinyl records. Another Happy Trails employee Dave Trenkel describes vinyl as “a one of a kind artifact that you just can’t replicate.” Record companies seem to be embracing the comeback of vinyl as well. A lot labels are even packaging vinyl records with coupons for a free digital download of the album purchased. Talk about new technology meeting the old.

All in all only time will tell what happens to the little record store on the corner. Music sharing was a huge hit for the industry and with the fallen economy on top of that things just aren’t looking to good. “Ultimately, it’s going to come down to a vote of what the people want, and so far they voted us out.” says Doug. All I can do is urge you to support your local music and book stores. Though the idea of downloading your books and music seems innocent and harmless enough, you’re never going to think of the little guys it’s going to hurt until they’re gone.