The 90’s kids and 90’s babies can remember a time when they were crazy about their favorite artists whether it’s Brittany Spears, Lauren Hill, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, or Destiny Child’s. Now everything changes, but CDs and tape cassettes are antics relics of the past. 

“Electronic streaming is currently the best way to reach the most people around the world at one time. All kinds of songs and genres became available through online platforms,” said Khalil Garcia, a USF undergrad student, Class of 2019, via email.

Garcia is a current undergrad student from USF, who is knowledgeable about the music industry and understands how technology is helping today’s artist to make music and promoting their brand. 

“The biggest change that’s occurred within the industry is the emergence of the digital revolution. CD’s along with boom boxes and mp3 players are a thing of the past,” said Garcia. 

During the 90’s, it was the era of teen-pop, R&B, rap, reggae, and dance-pop music that transition a blend of a spinal of popular music. That time, CDs were a high demand for sales which caused many consumers to purchase their favorite musicians and artists’ albums, according to RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Also, the new phase of digital devices, like the MP3, that was released in the late 90’s, helped with the advance of technology in the music industry.

Before today’s artists were searched and found through social media, A&Rs (Artist and Repertoire) in the 90’s, found artists from demo tapes and CDs, and local musical events. With Instagram as one of the powerful platforms to find artists like today’s Grammy-Award Winner  rapper Cardi B, has helped paved the way for her and other artists’ successful career(s).

“The more likes and the more views… It’s just the way it is. It’s saturated… But you still got to go out and put your name out there,” said Rawtraxx, a local musical producer from Tampa. 

As a music producer, Rawtraxx has seen the transition of the music industry for over 20 years, and notice that social media has taken over for new musical artists to make a name for themselves to showcase their work, by linking their projects on different social media platforms. 

“It changes now… It’s a lot of artists that you don’t know, that take it real serious. If the A&R can see a new artist with 47,000 viewers and likes, now half of their work is already done,” said Rawtraxx.

According to Nielsen, the demand for streaming music and videos are on the rise by 43% from last year. That shows consumers today, compared to 20 years ago are downloading music instead of purchasing CDs or albums. Also, it was the year of female empowerment in the music industry, to dominate the Billboard Hot 100, like artists Camila Cabello and Ariana Grande. 

Contact Jonilda Francois at JFrancois2@student.fullsail.edu or Follow on Twitter: @jonilda_f