Music pirates buy most music

Data from digital music research firm, The Leading Question, suggests that people who illegally share music files online also spend four and a half times more on paid-for music downloads than average fans, making them highly valuable customers.

According to the study, illegal downloaders spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music, compared to £1.27 spent by other music fans.

The report suggests that companies should entice illegal downloaders to use legal alternatives, rather than take legal action against them.

The music industry claims that legal downloads have tripled during 2005, with 10 million songs legally downloaded in the first half of 2005.

Paul Brindley, director of The Leading Question, said: “There’s a myth that all illegal downloaders are mercenaries hell-bent on breaking the law in pursuit of free music”. He said that fans are enthusiastic about paid-for services, as long as they are attractive enough.

The BPI (British Phonographic Industry) welcomed the study, but expressed concern that although many illegal file-sharers are starting to use legal services, many studies have shown that their expenditure on music overall is down.

However, the teen market, one of the music industries focal points, has been bombarded with a larger range of products and services, such as DVDs and mobile phones, while still spending the same limited budget.

It could well be the case that the music industry is simply not able to compete in current market conditions, and should try and make their products more competitive and appealing.

The Leading Question survey also asked 600 music fans what devices they would buy in the next year. A third said they planned to purchase a dedicated MP3 player, while only 8% said they would buy an MP3-enabled phone. Music playing phones were less popular because of concerns about battery life and losing the handset.