#109 - Thoughts and predictions 2022 - hope for the future

I wasn't sure I would write this year's list of predictions... they have a funny way of coming true.  But this year I'm feeling hopeful, determined and more confident about the possibilities.

1) DSD downloads will make a comeback...  well, to be fair, I think they already are based on our customer's responses. People around the world (granted, mostly Asia, and some parts of Europe) are already starting buy more DSD at our store.

2) Streaming services will not be the major source of listening.  Services like Spotify will become what radio was long ago - a place to discover artists, but not necessarily all the music.  We're already seeing the trend towards artists uploading only singles at Spotify and other streaming services.  Sorry, my friends who don't like to pay for music, but streaming can't support a quality of recording that the consumer deserves.  You probably don't mind the intermittent internet dropouts, either or the stuttering.  So, if you're a casual listener, that's fine... enjoy your Spotify and other streaming services.  When you find an artist you like, you're going to find more of the artist's music on artist websites, bandcamp, bluecoastmusic.com and other places that don't stream.  Yes, even HD streaming will take a dive... they don't really pay much either.

3) It's going to be uncovered that music distribution companies don't really know how to collect from dsps (digital services providers like Apple, Spotify, and 200 other places you get music).  And if they can't collect, they can't report to the artists or labels.  Who knows if they're counting correctly... they can't account why should they 'count'.  I've already experienced this and know it's true by the research with other labels.  It's not widespread knowledge yet... but when word gets out...

4) NFTs will become much, much, much more purchased as the artist's true fans buy the NFTs to support the artist to create quality work.  Each album released will have more information, stories, and reward NFT owners with some kind of music ownership.  Sure NFTs will bring their own issues, too.

5) Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others will diminish in popularity for places to promote music.  Instead, they'll be used to promote new communities build around the artist or a genre or an idea and found on places like Discord.  These new communities will monitor the "snark" factor.  The "meanness" that current social media exhibits will not be allowed in the controlled communities at Discord.  There are a whole lot of other issues that might come up... like how does a new artist emerge without exposure.  Hmmmm do you think we'll need more real and trusted journalism?  I hope so.  Yes, there will be a Discord where someone can say "I can hear the difference in cables" and not get an ugly response.

6) People will be more willing to pay for subscriptions to publications for insights and trusted journalists.  I can attest to that already.  I never subscribed to anything but the last month, I found my favorite writers who had paid subscriptions so I joined a few.  And I supported them.  I might try that myself and have a closed community where I can more freely review music and gear.

7) Netflix, Disney, and all the others are gonna see a decline in subscribers.  People are gonna find out that 'real' experiences with 'real' people have much more benefit than binge watching mediocre streaming tv and movies.  People are going to want to have real connection and in person.

2022 is going to be about community!

Well, that's enough for now.  This is going to be a turnaround year!

Let's all have a great one!

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