Ep 6. I Want My MP3

I Want My MP3 is the sixth episode of the first season of The 2000s. This episode explores the introduction of the MP3 file format and how it revolutionized the music industry.

The episode begins with a segment about the rise of Napster, a peer-to-peer file sharing service that allowed users to download music for free. Interviews with music industry executives and musicians reveal how Napster disrupted the traditional business model of the industry and forced it to adapt to the digital age.

The episode then delves into the development of the MP3 format and how it made it possible for music to be compressed into smaller file sizes without sacrificing quality. The impact of the MP3 on the music industry is explored, from the ability for independent artists to distribute their music digitally to the decline of physical album sales.

The episode also touches on the controversy surrounding music piracy and file sharing. Interviews with musicians such as Lars Ulrich of Metallica illustrate the negative impact that file sharing had on artists' ability to make money from their music. However, other industry experts argue that file sharing ultimately helped to expand the reach of music and expose listeners to new artists.

The episode features several notable musicians from the 2000s, including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes. They provide insight on how the MP3 format impacted their own careers and the music industry as a whole.

Overall, I Want My MP3 presents a comprehensive look at how technology transformed the music industry in the early 2000s. It highlights both the benefits and challenges of these changes and serves as a reminder of the rapid pace of innovation and disruption in the digital age.