Recording Industry Posts Modest Sales Gain
After a prolonged slump, the music industry posted a slight gain in sales last year. Aided by hits from such popular acts as Usher, the industry sold 666.7 million albums, up 1.6% from 656.2 million sales in 2003, Nielsen SoundScan reported.
The numbers, however, remain well below what they were in 2000, when sales reached 785 million. The industry has since been roiled by sagging sales and rampant piracy that continue to plague labels despite last year’s brighter numbers.
Overall music sales -- including albums, singles and digital tracks -- increased to 817 million last year, up from 687 million in 2003.
-- Richard Verrier
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