How Technological Innovations are Reinventing the Music Industry in India

Music has been constantly evolving with changing times. In recent decades, one of the biggest changes music has experienced is its exposure to technology. The music industry has been strongly influenced by technology and has witnessed various breakthroughs.

Technology has become ubiquitous and has altered the way we interact with the world. Before the intervention of technology, music was experienced live, but with the arrival of recording, the advancement of audio engineering, the experience has changed. Various impactful changes can be witnessed in the music industry with the commercialization of sound recording and playback devices.

The disruptive innovations of the past century in the music industry can be categorized as- possibility to record and distribute audio on a large scale. This was followed by vinyl disks aiding high-quality sound reproduction.

Further, digital technology enabling high-quality professional-grade studio equipment. Digital software can be considered among the biggest game-changer in the production of music. It has allowed musicians to write, record and produce their own songs to a reasonable quality.

Surrounding equipment, instruments, sound generators, software, and reproduction software and devices – has further shaped the way music today is produced, performed, distributed, and consumed.  Music-making increasingly employs technology products to increase productivity. In the entire process, technological distribution should be considered a game-changer for the industry.

The use of a computer to generate sound has progressed into popular mainstream music today. The four aspects- format, mediums, performance, and distribution of music have enforced the music industry to follow the rising trend to either adapt or die out. Additional to technological transformations, changes with digital technology have reached far beyond audio recording.

Besides the rapid consumption of digital content across platforms, the emergence of big data has also offered music publishers with various solutions to optimize management and engagement across platforms and disrupted the entire industry.

Products like Digital 6000 Series offer outstanding audio quality and rock-solid RF wireless transmission for live performance. It integrates seamlessly into digital or analog system infrastructures.

Additionally, the transformation from stage monitors to in-ear monitors has helped performer enhance their output by receiving a clean, uninterrupted version of sound directly to their ears. Live performers, sound engineers trust 2000 Series wireless monitoring set for its clear and powerful sound.

VR, as a concept is also gaining popularity among music artists to engage with their audience and products like AMBEO VR Mic, make capturing real 3D sound easy and effortless as opposed to using multiple microphones to capture sound. It is also an ideal product to capture audio for VR. AMBEO 3D technology creates immersive audio solutions that offer an unparalleled audio experience.

Factors that are driving the growth of the professional segment of the audio market such as rising demand for energy-efficient technologies in portable audio devices, growing traction of in-vehicle infotainment systems, and increasing demand for high-quality audio output are some of the key factors for the growth of the market. According to the EY-FICCI report, the digital sector is ready to overtake the film entertainment area.

The Indian M&Esector grew at 13.4%, more than the nominal GDP of 10%, to reach Rs 1.67 trillion ($23.9 billion) in 2018 as against 2017.

Technology continues to outgrow our expectations every day. In the past years, we have witnessed several game-changing technology trends. Digital audio systems have been rapidly replacing analog systems. Growth in live music and movie industry has pushed audio technology into technically advanced systems. These trends are slowly making way into the world around us.

It is making technology accessible to more people living in tier I and tier II cities.2020 will be a year witnessing a drastic shift in listening experience through technological advancements in the audio and entertainment industry and its impact on the audience and professionals will shape the future of the entire ecosystem.

Authored by: Vipin Pungalia, Director, Professional Segment, Sennheiser Electronics, India