To a Mother Concerned About File-Sharing – My Reply

04/15/2009

To a Mother Concerned About File-Sharing – My Reply

Here’s the question:

I have a teenage son who tells me his pirating music is no big deal. Since he is a musician himself, I point out to him that someday that’s going to be hismoney people are stealing. But he remains unfazed.

He tells me the record sales make money for the record label, not the artist. He says that the artists make all their money from touring and live concerts. He thinks the pirated music promotes the concerts and therefore helps the artist make more money. I still don’t allow pirating in my house.

But tell me what you think – as artists out there having your work “shared,” are you just glad to have it being enjoyed, or does it bother you? Admittedly, he is stealing music that is recorded by major record labels, so maybe its different than the independent musician working for his living. But I’d still like to hear what you think.

Thanks,
Valerie

And here’s my reply:

Free is here!

The moral question is something that I could not advise you on. We can tell are children right from wrong but that’s all we can do. Society is becoming more and more conducive to “taking” art.  In 5 years “free” music will be expected from fans. I’ve been struggling with this issue for a while and I’m coming to grips that “free” is here to stay. As musician and artist we have to develop different models to monetize opportunities that “Free Music” will give us.

Your son’s reasoning is not correct and I don’t agree with it. I would understand it if he just said he wants the music and doesn’t want to pay for it. There is no justification for theft. Just man up and at least call it what it is. If anything I would advise you to make sure he knows the real reason why he’s doing what he is doing.

I can accept giving music away for free and I’m ready to do it. But I also plan on writing material through out the year. I also plan on releasing 7 EPs (6 songs)  through out the year ( the 12 song CD format is dying too). I’m concentrating on performing and merchandising as well. We have to come to the realization as artist that “free” is now part of the new model.

 

 

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