Thoughts on music downloading from the internet.

Today I received an email from the founder of a public relations firm, which will go unnamed. This person basically wrote me saying that I need to take down the Russian Circles and Daturah link.

Here is what the email said:

"Please remove these downloads from your website
http://anonymouswhistleblower.blogspot.com/.

You are stealing these albums and the record labels have been bcc’d in this email to be made aware of your actions. Ultimately it will be up to them to decide what further action to take.

• Please note editorial support is greatly appreciated, but stealing and distributing this material is both illegal and will ultimately lead to the demise of the record labels you’re likely only trying to support.
  

Thank you for your time."

Now, I just want to say a couple of things. In order for it to be made illegal, I'm supposed to have a server which HOSTS these files. These are on sites such as rapidshare, megaupload, mediafire, and such.

When it comes to me posting these files, I have made it clear that PEOPLE SHOULD GO OUT AND BUY ALBUMS FROM BANDS THEY SUPPORT. Why should anyone pay money for a cd they know absolutely nothing about? Everything posted on the internet is for promotional use. It is also a great way for bands to know who their real fans truly are. I am absolutely positive that bands know that their music will get out on the internet. Here is one thing to point out, I DO NOT LEAK THESE ALBUMS. Albums that are leaked stem from people that have worked with the band on some way or form. Why don't you condone those people? Instead people like me who want to spread the name of bands to those who are unaware of them are the ones to blame. To this, I respond with a big fuck you.

You need to realize, in order for a band to make money, they need to get their name across. The internet is the biggest medium between band and audience. Without the internet, 3/4 of the bands that we hear of today wouldn't be a success. There could be people located in Dublin, Ireland that have become a big fan of say, a band from Los Angeles. But they cannot get access to their music because of the location. The use of the internet is the best way to get a bands presence known.

As I had mentioned before, bands can truly see the response to the music they are making. If the bands want to sell their music, make sure it is WORTH selling. Being able to download music gives the buyer an option to buy or not buy music they have listened to. I'm sure every consumer wants to spend their money on something they like. If a band can't sell their music, that DOES NOT stem from people who download from the internet. It should be considered motivation for them to make better music. If someone likes what they hear, they'll go out and support that band by going to their shows, buy merch, and so on. Bands do not make a lot of money from cd sales. The majority of their income come from the shows they play and the merchandise they sell. So, here is what I am saying: band makes good music, then people will support them.

There is also the situation where someone can't afford to purchase music or a cd has sold out. By downloading, you get access to the music you want to hear.

I am willing to put money that without the internet, hundreds of bands would not be in existence. No one would be listening to their music.

So for those who call bloggers thieves, YOU are the one that is truly the thief. You are taking away the promotion from bands that they are receiving. By doing that, you cut off the medium between band and audience. And in turn, you are only the exposing the TRUE intentions of record labels - to only want money and not give a damn about the music bands are putting out.