Albums on the Hill employee Chris Haynes sorts through CDs Monday. (CU Independent/Jeff Wagner)
The music industry is changing, but many students either remain loyal to buying full albums rather than just a single EP or are avoiding buying music altogether.
The nation saw a transformation of the music industry and decline of album sales over the past decade as the music industry moved online with music downloading programs like iTunes. On these programs, listeners could download their favorite singles without having to purchase a full album. Despite having the option to purchase a single instead of a full album, many students remain loyal to full-length albums.
Sam Wiltgen, a 21-year-old sophomore computer engineering major, said he listens to anything and everything, and is more inclined to purchase a full album than a single.
“The other songs are usually similar (to the single), but I don’t usually buy albums,” Wiltgen said.
Kirsten Dobroth, a 21-year-old senior political science major, said she usually buys the full album.
“I don’t know,” Dobroth said. “I just do.”
Tommy Moles, a 19-year-old sophomore finance major, followed the common trend among CU students and said he is more likely to purchase the single.
“I buy the single so I don’t have music that I don’t like,” Moles said. “For all music, I’m more likely to purchase the single.”
He added that he listens to hip-hop and a bit of classic rock.
Caroline Hale, an 18-year-old freshman political science major, said she is more likely to purchase the full album if she buys music.
“I’m more likely (to get music) from a friend or illegally download it,” Hale said.
She also said that she does not buy music often.
Austin Gordon, a 19-year-old sophomore business major, said he also tends to buy the full album.
“I feel like sometimes you discover songs on a full album that you wouldn’t otherwise,” Gordon said.
He added that he is a fan of rap and hip-hop.
Alice Hansen, a 21-year-old senior music major, also said she prefers purchasing full albums.
“I listen to a lot of jazz music,” Hansen said. “The full album is much more representative than a song.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sara Juliet Fruman at Sara.fruman@colorado.edu.
