The future of (free) software

More software has become free or so cheap that you might wonder how long people will be willing to pay for it. While we’re pondering, just what do those new subscription models mean for us all? Time to look ahead…

Looking at the current freeware market for music creation software, as we have in this feature, it’s fair to say that there have never been as many good quality, and almost pro-sounding (and looking) freeware titles available. You could, should you wish, not spend a penny on making music; just fork out for your Mac, PC, phone or tablet, download a selection of titles and go. So what does this mean for music software developers around the world? Is it fair to say that people will tire of paying for music software? Is the subscription model the way forward? Let’s grapple with the big issues…

Is the software behind the music under threat?

The musicians who use music software have certainly benefitted more and more from cheap or free software titles. But just as these applications are falling in price and more free options are appearing, so the income from the end result – the music – has substantially fallen. Musicians have had a torrid time in recent years, helped only by a vibrant live music scene now recovering from its enforced pandemic-led hiatus. If you want to make money from music in the 21st century, live music is pretty much your main income stream, unless you have soundtrack aspirations (see last issue).