Downloading Doesn't Kill Artists

As the Internet-age skyrockets, CD sales have done the opposite. This has been blamed in large part on the ability to download music, legally or illegally, whether it be an individual song or an entire album. Several artists have expressed their frustrations over this, claiming it weakens the strength of their fanbase, shows a lack of fan loyalty, and even effects their careers. Some music-listeners have backed their favorite artists in the debate, yet most appreciate the ability to download music free of charge, claiming it has helped expose them to new genres and artists. Even more interesting is the fact that some artists, such as The Cool Kids don’t mind, and in a way encourage, the downloading of their songs. Consider the following exchange between the band and their fans at Lollapalooza 2008:

“How many y’all bought our new EP The Bake Sale?” crowd cheers
“How many downloaded it without paying anything?” louder cheers
“That’s alright, we don’t get any money from that thing anyway”

I have nothing but respect for artists who have the approach. I hadn't even heard of this band before reading the article, but I'm compelled to listen to them simply because I know they want me to, anyway I can. In no way do I depend on album sales for a main source of income, but if I did, I can safely say that I wouldn’t mind people downloading my music free of charge at their will. People love to find out about new music (I know I do) and I don’t want to pay for music that I’ve never heard. A great pre-heard album buy is rare. From my experience, listening to new music via file-to-file sharing has actually encouraged me to buy the artist's album. I will hear a song, enjoy it, and then treat myself by supporting the artist. I realize music is an industry; one that is helping fuel our economy. But more important than this, music is about expression and an artist should care more about their message than their popularity and fame. As OAR says in their song “Anyway”: Something always comes from the music.

I can tell you that this “something” is more than money can dictate.