The death of Steve Jobs marks the end of the life of an individual who reinvisioned technology for us in so many ways.
As someone whose tech abilities rank higher than those of my parents and lower than the entire Whiting School of Engineering, even I can attest to the tangible effects of Job's work. His foresight into the developing world of music has not only affected the way we interact with music as consumers but also how artists contemplate the production of their work.
Mp3 players like the iPod have eliminated the need to lug around cases of CDs, which were previously the stacable crates of vinyl albums.
The ability to transport music transforms the experience entirely. No longer is music an experience that takes place in a car or in a home. It takes place in your pocket, or purse, or any other place you could conceivably fit your Mp3 player. It takes place on your phone.
At the gym, women on ellipticals are plugged in to their workout playlists that have already been carefully composed in their iTunes library. In the weight room, others listen to their entire catalogue on shuffle.
The idea of LPs and EPs have been reimagined for artists. No listener is forced to listen to the songs sequentially let alone purchase a 12-track album in its entirety. And for this, each library is unique even to individuals who boast similar music tastes.
The concept of the "single" has taken on a new quality. Whereas previously singles could be found on EPs which were released prior to the full-length albums, now they are available for only 99 cents on iTunes. Anxiously waiting by the dial on your radio has been replaced by clicking "Download Now."
Exposure to new artists is promoted by "Single of the Week" and other, more-personalized additions like Genius, Ping and DJ which expand from one's already-existing catalogue.
Jobs didn't reinvent the music industry but he forever altered the experience that consumers and artists will have with their music.
