The Fall of an Empire

Would it really be so horrible if the music industry as we know it today would become insignificant and obsolete? Would it be a tragedy if the RIAA disappeared overnight? I think not. Many articles regarding this very subject have been featured in Rolling Stone in the last few months, and all seem to show the huge fall in record sales as apocalyptic. And while I understand that musicians (especially Metallica) aren't remarkably happy about losing money from record sales, there could be some benefits to this whole thing. Now before I get into my idea, I AM NOT PROMOTING THE ILLEGAL OBTAINMENT OF MUSIC. Okay, so here goes:
The year is 2015. Virtually no one buys the physical form of a compact disc anymore, because it is much, much easier to do so online in some form or another. There are still people who buy vinyl, though, because that stuff is just too cool. But anyway, since the musical artist knows this, they don't put effort into promoting the physical form of the album, they just spread the word online via MySpace, mp3 blogs, etc. The key now is promotion through word of mouth, sort of, so the money is made from live shows, merch, and promotions. I mean, that's where a band is going to make the most money anyway. And suddenly, being a successful and highly profitable musician is even harder. Thus, we have a natural selection process within the music industry, making bands even better, and probably decreasing the number of rap artists (yay!). Like we need more redundant hip-hop choruses, e.g. "This Is Why I'm Hot", "Party Like A Rockstar", "Chicken Noodle Soup". But don't get rid of TI. I like TI.

I realize this theory is flawed. Nine Inch Nails tried to promote Year Zero through mysterious internet promotion and free music for fans at shows, and I highly doubt that it was one of Trent Reznor's more successful attempts at breaking ground. Seriously, after "Closer" it was all downhill. But take indie music: doesn't sell too many CD's, mainstream society has never heard of them, but they are critically acclaimed and have rabid fans who pay money for tickets and t-shirts. Broken Social Scene, Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, Modest Mouse, Bloc Party, The Shins, Wilco, Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes, Sigur Ros, The National, Blonde Redhead, Spoon.

RIAA: Recording Industries Are Archaic.