Downloading 'important for music'

The music industry is doing well as more people are downloading tracks.

This is the view of Martin Talbot, managing director of the Official Charts Company (OCC), a joint venture between record labels' body the BPI and the Entertainment Retailers Association.

He noted that despite the recession, single sales have risen through digital downloads, increasing "substantially" over five years, although digital album sales are growing at a slower pace.

"Albums will continue to move towards digital over the coming years, but physical albums will be with us for some time to come," he said.

Mr Talbot's comments come as US group the Black Eyed Peas are set to become record breakers as their single I Gotta Feeling is expected to be the first ever million-selling download in the UK.

"The success further highlights how important downloading is becoming," the expert commented.

Last week Radiohead singer Thom Yorke told young musicians not to tie themselves to the "sinking ship" of record labels.

Many musicians have taken advantage of digital downloads to sell their music independently.