Music, it's just one of those things isn't it. Every one listens to it at some point, many listen to it every day. It can make people happy, it can make them sad. It's one of the most important things we do as humans to let lose and let our emotions out. Could you imagine a world without music? How empty those bus rides in the morning would be, or what you'd do at the weekend if you couldn't go out and let you hair down to some good songs.
The thing is though, is there's a lot less people making music then there was before. The whole issue of downloading has meant that a lot of people have giving up on trying to make a music career for themselves. A lot of musicians spend money out of their own pockets making a mixtape or album, only to end up giving them to people to download for free. If you were one of those people making independent music with nothing in return, would you carry on making music? Nope, my guess is you wouldn't.
If music is important to you then you have to ask yourself: Where is the music scene going to be in future? While it won't be for a good few years, if the music scene keeps going the way it is then it's only going to get worse and worse. If people don't support the music they supposedly love then that music they love is going to fade away. The music industry is going to be full of people trying to make a quick buck by doing cheesy songs that appeal to kids (Who in turn try and get their parents to try and buy it).
All I'm saying is if you like music then make sure you go and buy it and support your favorite musicians. Thanks.