What does Robert Henke have to lose?
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 9:15 pm
Curiosity got the better of me, I searched the internet for a few hours looking for legit mp3s from Monolake, I can't say I found one.
So my question is; Why do electronic musicians shoot themselves in the foot trying to make sure people don't get their music for free (not illegal download). It is common practice these days for popular indie bands to feature some of their songs on a website, with perhaps a video, and some promo pics. In fact I have seen entire albums available from certain artists over the internet, that were not illegal. (I can give examples if you doubt it). What makes electronic musicians with a small bit of success feel the need to not use this powerful marketing tool?
Anyway I formulated some opinions, but none of them are solid, please feel free to add to/correct my list of reasons.
a. Electronic music is less defined generally, and easier to rip off intellectually. Hence the artist may feel less inclined to put unreleased/demo's on the internet for fear that someone may make a copy and claim it as their own, and without much legal protection it would be hard to prove ownership in a court of law, especially internationally.
b. Artists feel that they are being ripped off already with mp3 downloads and don't want to perpetuate the cycle by making themselves more known on the internet.
c. The artist believes that their work should be paid for, and that any free downloads would undermine that ideal.
Of course I am not talking about you bedroom musicians (i'm one also), who post their music regularly on the internet. I am talking about those of you with a bit of success and a regular fan base.
That said I am in no way complaining about this practice, I just wonder at it's logic.
Edit (poll is just a bit of humor really)
So my question is; Why do electronic musicians shoot themselves in the foot trying to make sure people don't get their music for free (not illegal download). It is common practice these days for popular indie bands to feature some of their songs on a website, with perhaps a video, and some promo pics. In fact I have seen entire albums available from certain artists over the internet, that were not illegal. (I can give examples if you doubt it). What makes electronic musicians with a small bit of success feel the need to not use this powerful marketing tool?
Anyway I formulated some opinions, but none of them are solid, please feel free to add to/correct my list of reasons.
a. Electronic music is less defined generally, and easier to rip off intellectually. Hence the artist may feel less inclined to put unreleased/demo's on the internet for fear that someone may make a copy and claim it as their own, and without much legal protection it would be hard to prove ownership in a court of law, especially internationally.
b. Artists feel that they are being ripped off already with mp3 downloads and don't want to perpetuate the cycle by making themselves more known on the internet.
c. The artist believes that their work should be paid for, and that any free downloads would undermine that ideal.
Of course I am not talking about you bedroom musicians (i'm one also), who post their music regularly on the internet. I am talking about those of you with a bit of success and a regular fan base.
That said I am in no way complaining about this practice, I just wonder at it's logic.
Edit (poll is just a bit of humor really)
