Is there no longer a need to sell CDs? Are they unnecessary if you have a subscription?

I am a clumsy old man.
I am an old man who hasn't touched a CD in at least seven years.
It's because of Spotify. It's lossless, providing sound quality equivalent to a CD. I also have unlimited data and a flat-rate plan for Wi-Fi.
As an old man, I have no reason to buy CDs.
In my city, TSUTAYA has completely withdrawn. There is only one CD and musical instrument store left.
Bookstores are much the same, though.

I asked Gemini, Is there a need to sell CDs? about it.

Gemini's answer:

The role of the "CD" has changed drastically between the past and the present. Understanding this is the first step.

1. To begin with, is there a need to sell CDs now?
   To conclude, if the goal is to have people listen to music, there is almost no need to produce CDs.
   In the past, you couldn't listen to music without a CD, but now you can listen for free if you have a smartphone. Therefore, you need to change your way of thinking as follows.

• Old way of thinking: Make money by selling the CD itself.

• Current way of thinking: Music is like a "flyer distributed for free" or a "supermarket sample." The main event (where you make money) is live performances and concerts.
  How artists who don't release CDs do it
  Recently, there are many people who become very popular without releasing a single CD.

• Reason: When you make a CD, it costs money to "manufacture the plastic disc" and "pay for warehouse space to store inventory." If they don't sell, it's a huge loss.

• Method: Upload songs to "music apps" like YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify. This way, it costs almost nothing, and you can have people all over the world listen to them.music apps" to upload songs. This way, it costs almost nothing, and you can have people all over the world listen to them.In other words, if you just want to "become famous" or "have people listen to your songs,"
  operating within a smartphone is cheaper and faster.

1. Why are CDs still selling only in Japan?
   CDs are no longer selling around the world, but they are still selling in Japan. There is a reason for this **other than "listening to music."**
   Japanese CDs are no longer for "music playback". They are bought for the following three reasons.

• Because the "bonus" is the main product (AKB business model, etc.):
  The CD contains a "handshake ticket" or a "voting ticket for your favorite member." Fans aren't buying them because they want to listen to the music, they are buying "the right to meet an idol". That is why there are people who buy 100 copies of the same CD.

• Because it is a "proof of support":
  Buying a CD from your favorite artist is like "making an offering" or "tipping". You are buying something tangible with the feeling of "good luck."

• Because it is a "collection (merchandise)":
  It's the same feeling as buying a T-shirt or a keychain. You enjoy displaying them in your room or lining them up. There is meaning in "owning it."

1. If you still want to "sell CDs," what should you do?
   If you think, "I still want to make and sell my own CDs!", you need to add value as an "object" rather than as "music."
   This is a strategy to get people to go out of their way to buy a CD in an era where the songs inside can be listened to on a smartphone.

• Include a "special bonus"

  • Add an autograph.

  • Include a handwritten message card.

  • Chat briefly on the spot with only those who bought it at the concert venue.

  • **Make it so that "buying a CD provides a great experience."**

• Make the "appearance" luxurious

  • Make the jacket (cover) art extremely beautiful so that people will want to display it in their room.

  • Make the lyric card as luxurious as a photo book.

  • **Make it a "treasure that you are happy just to own."**

• Selling by "handing it over"

  • Instead of online sales, after the live show ends, the artist themselves, still sweaty, says "Thank you" and hands it over.

  • In this case, fans will buy it as a "memory."
    Summary

• If the goal is just to spread music, YouTube or apps are enough (in fact, they are better).

• CDs sell in Japan because they serve as "handshake tickets" or "merchandise."

• If you are going to sell CDs now, you shouldn't sell "music," but rather sell it as a set with "memories" or "experiences." The trend in the world is "digital (smartphones)," but it is also a fact that people develop a special attachment to "tangible things (CDs)." Using them differently depending on your purpose is the smart way to go.