How the iPod remixed the music industry

Washington, Sept 18 : A Kansas State University assistant professor of music has claimed that the creation of iPod and iTunes has brought about a resurgence of the singles in the music industry in the last 10 years.

Introduced by Apple Inc. in October 2001, the iPod is small enough to fit in a pocket, yet has enough space to hold hundreds of favourite tunes.





Along with the iPod came iTunes, a program that transformed the way music was sold, played and produced.

"Everything has come full circle," said Steven Maxwell of Kansas State University, who teaches a class about the history of rock and roll.

"When everything started in rock and roll music, the big thing was selling singles. Then in the '70s, it was full albums. The iPod has made the single come back again in the last 10 years in the industry, for both the good and the bad," he stated.

For the good, iTunes and the iPod have helped musicians develop ways to promote their music.

Artists make most of their money by touring, and selling music on iTunes has become a way to advertise for an upcoming tour.

Additionally, some artists are more successful at selling iTunes singles than producing entire albums.