They went to digital releases because they wanted access to a large customer base. Buying physical music is a chore I certainly don't have time for, nor would I

They went to digital releases because they wanted access to a large customer base. Buying physical music is a chore I certainly don't have time for, nor would I be able to listen to music from an LP or cassette in any of the scenarios I normally listen to music. Plus, LP and cassette audio quality is Very Bad, and LPs wear out. Music was pirated before digital music was a thing, but it brought a way bigger market. The problem now is with how newer streaming services haven't figured out how to pay artists, or have been unwilling to do so. Although, perhaps the value of music has just changed with time.