Music Downloading-Thoughts?

[BrotherShamus]

So a lot of the time when I want music, I just download it for free. When its from a band I really respect, I feel pretty guilty. I want to support my favorite artists, but I can't seem to find a cash machine.

What are my fellow Dudes' thoughts on downloading music illegally?

[DigitalBuddha]

So a lot of the time when I want music, I just download it for free. When its from a band I really respect, I feel pretty guilty. I want to support my favorite artists, but I can't seem to find a cash machine.

What are my fellow Dudes' thoughts on downloading music illegally?

The Laws vary from country to country, so its not always an easy thing to answer. What does your inner dude tell you?

[BrotherShamus]

"yeah man, fuck it. Can't be worried about that shit, life goes on."

[cckeiser]

So a lot of the time when I want music, I just download it for free. When its from a band I really respect, I feel pretty guilty. I want to support my favorite artists, but I can't seem to find a cash machine.

What are my fellow Dudes' thoughts on downloading music illegally?

Do No Harm dude.
http://donoharm.us

[banjodude]

I don't agree with illegal downloading, I know the big record companies have been ripping us off for years (as well as the artists) but a huge proportion of music is either self released or on small labels and bands are already getting shafted by the likes of itunes and amazon on download percentages, the least we can do is support up and coming musicians so we don't end up with just the conveyor belt slop they love to try and feed us,
but that's just like my opinion man.

[BikerDude]

It's a different thing downloading old Creedence tunes vs new tunes.
I typically buy new stuff and download old tunes.
But I do have a bit of mixed emotions.
I do miss the old music industry. And it is 100% a casualty of digital downloads.
I miss when bands traveled around in 747's and the biggest stars had mansions in the south of France that they hardly ever went to.
Music was once a much bigger deal than now.
My kids just don't get that. How sad.
When I was a kid a new Aerosmith album or Stones tour or what have you was just a huge part of your life.
And the biggest starts where so politically incorrect. Wrong on every level. That's missing IMHO.
I can't imagine growing up without that and instead pinning my emotions on Twitter and Facebook and text messages.
Yikes! Sheeple.
What can I say? I'm turning into an old goat.
Personally I miss the old Dinosaurs and rock Gods of past.
And big record stores and giant stadium shows.
At least we still have multi day camping rock show festivals.
Those are really great. And there are more of them than ever before.

I feel like Tommy Savondale.

[Hominid]

While on tour, I sometimes depended on music sales for gas money to get from one city to the next. So, when I'd hear people in the line-up after the show say to one another "I'll make a copy for you" - right in FRONT of me, I'd speak up. Only happened once, but it was a clear indicator of the mentality. Illegal copying and distribution robs the songwriters and musicians of their livelihood. My CD collection is full of indie musician's work that I bought after listening to them live. The production quality is sometimes crap, but the music's good and I enjoyed their show; I don't mind sending them down the road with a few extra bucks in their jeans.

Buying music on-line allows for options we didn't have before. For instance, only purchasing the songs from an album you like. So, gone are the days of musicians getting away with a mediocre album with only one or two good tunes.

 

[BikerDude]

While on tour, I sometimes depended on music sales for gas money to get from one city to the next. So, when I'd hear people in the line-up after the show say to one another "I'll make a copy for you" - right in FRONT of me, I'd speak up. Only happened once, but it was a clear indicator of the mentality. Illegal copying and distribution robs the songwriters and musicians of their livelihood. My CD collection is full of indie musician's work that I bought after listening to them live. The production quality is sometimes crap, but the music's good and I enjoyed their show; I don't mind sending them down the road with a few extra bucks in their jeans.

Buying music on-line allows for options we didn't have before. For instance, only purchasing the songs from an album you like. So, gone are the days of musicians getting away with a mediocre album with only one or two good tunes.

 

Yeah the appreciation of the "album" is getting lost.
Today nobody would be listening to Dark Side of the Moon straight through will hitting the bong.
What a loss.
The art of the album is a big deal.
And it's getting lost.

[Hominid]

You're right - those thematic albums were great. Those big names in the past had play time in the studio, not like today where each song has to be a hit. 

[BikerDude]

You're right - those thematic albums were great. Those big names in the past had play time in the studio, not like today where each song has to be a hit. 

And when you look at the breadth of musical styles from the great artists it's amazing.
They could do that because people would be listening to the entire album.
The typical (post boy band phase) Beatles album had rock, country, blues, and psychedelic, music all in one album. Same for the Stones, Jefferson Airplane etc etc..
It broadened people's musical tastes.
Show me any bands today that have any significant difference in style from song to song and album to album.
Sameness and it's encouraged by the industry. Repeat past success ad nausium.
Download one Nickelback song and your done. Move on. Nothing to see here.