DA BEST OF

Consumers loved him competitors feared him and record execs probably secretly hated him.   But Steve Jobs has had more influence on the business of music than any other single individual.  Under Jobs Apple made it easier to produce, record and distribute music than any other entity.  This holds especially true for independent artists even more for independent hip-hop artists. The technology engineered over the last 10 years or so have enabled independent hip-hop artists to skip major record companies and produce their own music and distribute it directly to consumers via blogs, user friendly file sharing sites and live streams.  While Apple did not create all of these mediums their presence influenced other tech companies innovations.   In years past artists would have to rely on resources only afforded by major recording companies to record music with CD quality.  Due to major advances in technologies artists such as the alternative/rock group The Gorillaz have been able to produce and record their WHOLE ALBUM on the IPad (I know right).   It’s nearly impossible to walk into a recording studio that does not have technology such as Logic Studio, or Garage Band.  Even today’s “DJs” (even though real DJs still use vinyl) take advantage of Apple technology such as DJAY 3.  And to date ITUNES distributes more music than any major music retailer.  With all that being said Steve Jobs and Apple should be thanked for liberating independent artists from the crutch of needing major recording companies to produce quality music.