In this digital age, there are many different ways to purchase songs. With the rise of music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, buying individual song files may seem antiquated. However, there are still good reasons to purchase songs, whether digitally or physically. This article will explore the main methods for buying songs in 2023.
Digital Downloads
The most common way to purchase songs today is through digital downloads. Rather than buying a physical CD or vinyl record, you can buy digital song files to download to your computer, phone, or other device. Here are some of the main ways to get digital song downloads:
- iTunes Store – Apple’s music store lets you buy individual song files or full albums to download. Songs are in AAC format and integrate seamlessly with Apple devices.
- Amazon Music Store – Amazon’s MP3 music downloads work on any device. You can buy single tracks or albums.
- Google Play Music – Google’s music store for Android devices and the web. Buy individual MP3 song files.
- Bandcamp – Indie artists commonly sell digital downloads of their music through Bandcamp.
- Artist websites – Many musicians sell digital downloads directly through their own websites.
Digital downloads offer convenience, flexibility, and high audio quality. You own the song files indefinitely and can transfer them between devices. Downside is you can’t resell the files later.
How to Buy Digital Downloads
Buying digital song downloads is easy from online music stores like iTunes and Amazon:
- Search for the song or album you want to purchase.
- Click the “Buy” or “Purchase” button.
- Select the individual song files or the full album.
- Checkout and pay, usually with a credit card or gift card.
- Download the song files to your computer or device.
- Transfer downloads to any devices you want to play them on.
One tip is to only buy DRM-free downloads when possible. These can be transferred more freely between devices. Some stores like Amazon sell DRM-free MP3s.
CDs
With streaming’s rise, CD sales have declined sharply. However, buying physical CDs is still popular with audiophiles and fans who want higher quality audio, collectible artwork, and a physical product. Here’s where you can buy CDs of your favorite music:
- Record stores – Support local businesses by buying CDs at independent music shops.
- Amazon – Huge selection of CDs, often at cheap prices.
- eBay – Find rare and collectible CDs from individual sellers.
- Band websites – Order CDs directly from bands you want to support.
- Concerts – Many bands sell CDs at their live shows.
Pros of CDs include higher audio quality, physical artwork and lyrics, and the ability to rip lossless digital files. Downsides are inconvenience, cost, and environmental impact.
How to Buy CDs
Follow these steps when purchasing a music CD:
- Browse inventory at local shops or online retailers.
- Select the specific album title and artist you want.
- For used CDs, inspect disk condition.
- Purchase CD at register and pay.
- Once home, rip CD to digital files using your computer.
- Transfer files to devices, make backups, and store CD safely.
One tip for used CDs is carefully inspecting the disc surface and testing it in your computer before purchase. Scratched and damaged discs may not rip properly.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl has made a comeback in recent years. Many music fans love the warm analog sound, large album artwork, and retro experience of LPs. Here’s where to purchase vinyl records:
- Record stores – Flipping through vinyl crates is a music lover’s ritual.
- Amazon – Huge new and used vinyl selection, often with lower prices.
- Discogs – Buy and sell used records through this dedicated music marketplace.
- Bandcamp – Some independent artists sell their music on vinyl.
- Record label stores – Browse official vinyl releases direct from record companies.
Benefits of vinyl include analog sound, artwork, collectability, and a tangible musical experience. Downsides are cost, inconvenience, and susceptibility to scratches.
How to Buy Vinyl Records
Follow these tips when buying vinyl:
- Handle records carefully by the edges and inner label to prevent scratches.
- Inspect used vinyl closely for visual defects before purchase.
- Research pressings to identify the best mastering and pressing quality.
- Clean new records with a specialized brush before playing.
- Store vinyl upright and protected from heat/sunlight.
- Buy inner plastic sleeves to protect jacket and disk.
High quality inner sleeves, anti-static brushes, and proper storage can help keep your vinyl in great condition for years.
Cassette Tapes
Cassettes have also seen a small revival, appealing to some music fans who grew up with tapes. Here’s where to find cassettes:
- Bandcamp – Indie artists sell new release cassettes.
- Discogs – Buy and sell used cassettes.
- eBay – Find old cassettes and rare collector’s tapes.
- Record conventions – Cassettes are common at record collecting shows.
- DIY labels – Small independent labels often release cassettes.
Benefits of cassettes include lo-fi retro sound, affordability, and collectibility. Downsides are lower audio quality, prone to damage, and inconvenient.
How to Buy Cassettes
When buying cassettes, remember:
- Buy quality cassette player/deck for reliable playback.
- Inspect used tapes for mold and damage.
- Clean tape deck regularly to reduce wow/flutter.
- Demagnetize tape head every 25 hours of use.
- Store tapes upright and rewind fully before storing.
- Copy tapes to digital files as backup.
Proper tape care and deck maintenance will help keep your cassette collection sounding great.
MP3 Download Cards
With physical music sales declining, some albums now come with MP3 download cards. Here’s how they work:
- One-time use redemption code card inside album.
- Code provides digital access to MP3 files.
- Downloads usually total the full album.
- Provided as bonus for physical purchase.
- Lets you both collect physical release and play digitally.
Benefits include added digital convenience. Downsides are one-time use and lower audio quality than CDs/vinyl provide.
How to Redeem MP3 Cards
Redeeming MP3 albums is straightforward:
- Purchase album containing download card.
- Locate download code inside album packaging.
- Visit provided redemption website and create account.
- Enter album code and download available mp3 files.
- Transfer downloads to your devices.
One tip is to redeem code immediately so you don’t misplace it. Also backup downloads to prevent file loss.
Purchasing Songs on YouTube
Many official music videos on YouTube allow song purchases. Here’s how it works:
- Official artist videos have “Purchase” link under video.
- Click to access song or album sales page.
- Complete transaction via credit card or Google payments.
- Song appears in YouTube music library and other apps.
- Purchased songs can be played when offline.
Benefits include direct song access from videos. Downsides are limited platforms and need for Google account.
How to Buy Songs on YouTube
Follow these steps to purchase from YouTube Music:
- Find official artist song or video.
- Under video, click “Purchase” price link.
- Choose buying song individually or full album.
- Complete purchase with Google payments account.
- Song appears in YouTube Music app and library.
- Use YouTube Music or Google Play Music app to stream.
Purchased YouTube music tracks can be played back even when offline. An internet connection is only needed for initial download.
Live Show Downloads
Some concert artists sell live recordings right after shows. Here’s how it works:
- Live show is recorded directly from soundboard.
- Audio files are offered on website after concert.
- Fans can purchase downloads of entire show.
- Often available in lossless formats like FLAC.
- Great way to own live bootlegs legally.
Benefits are reliving concert experiences with pro sound quality. Downsides are cost and narrow selection.
How to Buy Live Show Downloads
Here is the typical process for live show purchases:
- Check band website after concerts conclude.
- Purchase and download show audio files when posted.
- Files may be available for a limited time only.
- Transfer downloads to devices.
- Label recordings with correct show details.
- Delete show files after transfer is complete.
To avoid losing downloads, be sure to backup shows to an external drive or cloud storage. Bootleg sharing is also discouraged by most artists offering this service.
Conclusion
While streaming has become the dominant method for music consumption, buying song files and physical media still appeals to many music lovers. Purchasing music directly supports artists and provides high quality recordings fans can own forever. Explore digital stores, physical retailers, concert booths, and band sites to buy your favorite songs.
| Format | Where to Buy | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 Downloads | iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Bandcamp | High quality digital files, play anywhere | Can’t resell, not tangible |
| CDs | Amazon, record stores, eBay | Higher quality audio, artwork, lyrics | Environmental waste, scratches |
| Vinyl | Record stores, Amazon, Discogs | Warm analog sound, large art, collectible | Expensive, delicate, cumbersome |
| Cassettes | Bandcamp, eBay, DIY labels | Retro format, inexpensive | Lower quality, prone to damage |
| MP3 Cards | Inside physical albums | Combines physical + digital | Lower quality files, one use |
| YouTube Purchase | Official artist videos | Buy and play songs from videos | YouTube only, need account |
| Live Downloads | Artist websites after shows | Relive concerts in high fidelity | Limited selection, expensive |