CDs are now becoming an old memory but there are many factors that are compromising its sales
Compact discs were that new discovery that simplified the way music was listened. It was a “tiny” version of the vinyl and something that required fewer skills to adjust the tape of music cassettes – a real struggle –.
This novelty was born in 1983 and it was publicized as something “durable and perfect” but the reality was that it wasn’t the truth.
Each piece is produced with an aluminium layer that holds the data and covered by polycarbonate and a protective lacquer.
On the other hand, compact discs are often damaged, and manufacturers say that bad handling is the main cause of the problem.
“If there’s a problem on a track you can’t skip on the next one and that means that the whole thing won’t work, differently from records,” says Shakil Ahmed, owner of Shaks’ and Stax of Wax.
According to a survey by YouGov UK, 42% of people access music through CDs and 41% of the population say that they are their favourite devices.
Despite these reassuring statistics, compact discs have a major problem that originates from the failed sales.
Only 18% of consumers buy new CDs even because of the “rising star” called digital music.
“The record companies are still trying to sell CDs, but the audience has changed,” says Shaks’ and Stax of Wax’s owner.
According to The Guardian digital music has helped the music industry and increased sales by 51.5% to just over 68 million albums and “helped offset falling sales of digital downloads and CDs”.
“I collect CDs and vinyl, I will often buy both versions of the same title, Cds are more durable than most other types of media, they are compact and don't take up too much space,” says Walter Joseph, 56 and sales trainer.
The big rise in UK music is also helped by the revival of vinyl which boosted in 2017 but what will happen to the compact discs?
“CDs will become a niche product as it happens in fashion, music is fan related and they will come back as they always do,” says Ahmed.
The fastest growing market remain streaming services like Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music with unlimited music at only £10 a month.
“Spotify is the true future of music because it makes possible for so many people listening to music at an affordable price,” says Georgy Guiot, Spotify office coordinator.
Their shiny and futuristic look though does not make possible “for the consumer having a large and beautiful design to look at,” says Stax of Wax’s owner.
In fact, vinyl albums increase their sales year after year after achieving £4.1, the biggest success since 1991.
“The issue with CDs is that producing them is very expensive and even reducing prices is not convenient” says Shakil Ahmed.