Techotic

A music industry study produced by NPD Group, claims that 58% of all music in the possession of Americans last year, was shared, stolen, illegally transferred, re-distributed, acquired, open sourced, or whatever other term you want to use for ‘not paid for’.

It seems, according to the study, that contrary to popular belief, peer to peer is not the only big offender, ripping tracks from friends, and straight forward copying of traditional CD’s account for an equal share of this market.

The study also showed that when it came to music that was paid for, conventional CD sales are still out-pacing downloads by more than three CD sales to every download.

Another finding was that Apples, iTunes customers are younger than CD buyers and many times more likely to purchase individual album tracks. DRM free from Amazon on the other hand, has an older customer base that buys more full albums.

What ever the figures, music sales continue to free-fall into lower and lower numbers, forcing many rock and pop stars to tour in order to preserve their much needed rock n roll lifestyles.

[via npd]