Music has always been an evolving force. From the live performances of jazz bands in the roaring 20s to the glitz and glamour of the Apollo Theatre, music has always found a way to reach the masses.
Now in the 21st century, a new platform has been dominating the way we get music and changing the industry as we know it: streaming.
Streaming is the way of the future. While there is still a divide as to whether it really benefits the artist or not, there is no doubt that streaming is here to stay.
This evolution has caused the competitive nature of sales to shift from retail stores to digital downloads. Coveted charts like Billboard have included numbers from streaming services on charts and adding status not only to the artist but for the streaming services as well.
The first service to really make way in how we receive music today is Pandora, where we were introduced to the options of free versus premium. Pandora Radio gave music listeners what they really wanted before they knew themselves —collecting music based on our tastes and avoiding buying the whole album, only listening to a select few
But in recent years, Pandora has been facing competition, forcing it to the back burner with Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music taking the lead.
Spotify has become a template to what a successful streaming service should be. From its sleek and simple design to its countless playlists created by Spotify themselves, Spotify allows the user to create their own playlist but also gives them the chance to discover more. The sound quality is great and, with unlimited playlist a listener can create, Spotify has created an oasis for the avid listener. Those with a paid subscription can also get the chance of having student discounts or subscribing to family plans.
Apple Music combines the format of Spotify with the design of your iTunes library. Apple Music provides the listener with the convenience of switching on to Apple Music from their library and offering a three month free trial period. Apple also offers a wide array of playlists based on your tastes and music that is currently trending and topping the charts.
Tidal has to be the service receiving less love from listeners. From the launch of the service, Tidal has been viewed as a rip-off of Spotify and even with a three month free trial, twenty dollars a month seemed too much for the average listener. However, design and format aside, what makes  Tidal is the exclusive content. From Beyonce and Nicki Minaj’s music video “Feelin’ Myself,” Kanye West’s exclusive release of “The Life of Pablo” and Beyonce’s smash hit “Formation,” Tidal is slowly establishing themselves on the foundation of exclusivity.
But how do LSU students feel about the sudden range of options for streaming services?
ISDS major and freshman Brittney Rabalais prefers Spotify.
“I can choose the music I want to listen to and not have random artists,” she said.
However, Rabalais finds the variety of streaming services convenient for everyone and gives her the chance to listen to a variety of music.
Petroleum engineering sophomore Terence Alexander has a different story.
“I use Pandora, which is nice but the ads are annoying,” he said. “Although, I do enjoy my friends’ Spotify.”
But he has considered getting his own.
“It introduces you to a lot of good new music and if you want a specific song, you can listen to it immediately as well as find similar artists.”
Alexander said that he chose his streaming service because it’s free of charge.
Public relations sophomore Kelly Callahan uses Tidal for the exclusives only.
“I got Rihanna’s album from there but I don’t have an account.”
Callahan confessed that she while she loves Spotify the ads can get pretty annoying but also liked the fact of being exposed to new music.
“I like that you can see what other people are listening to.”

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Graphic by Madeline Simpson