I pretty much agree with you when we're discussing major labels. But this is generally not the case with electronic music. Many of the small labels that cater to trance, techno, and downtempo are struggling these days because people download music without paying for it, including labels like Twisted, who release Shpongle. Many of these smaller labels are run by the very artists that you are purchasing music from (hint hint.) Smaller independent labels generally pay their artists more and release DRM-free music, hoping that trusting their customers will encourage them to buy the music. Labels perform an important function in releasing new music including handling distribution and promotions. And if you've ever run your own label you would know that it's a lot of work and deserving of payment.

So please save the rhetoric for examples where it's deserved ie major labels and mainstream music, because it doesn't apply here. Support your independent artists and buy CD's or pay for your downloads.

I pretty much agree with you when we're discussing major labels. But this is generally not the case with electronic music. Many of the small labels that cater to trance, techno, and downtempo are struggling these days because people download music without paying for it, including labels like Twisted, who release Shpongle. Many of these smaller labels are run by the very artists that you are purchasing music from (hint hint.) Smaller independent labels generally pay their artists more and release DRM-free music, hoping that trusting their customers will encourage them to buy the music. Labels perform an important function in releasing new music including handling distribution and promotions. And if you've ever run your own label you would know that it's a lot of work and deserving of payment.

So please save the rhetoric for examples where it's deserved ie major labels and mainstream music, because it doesn't apply here. Support your independent artists and buy CD's or pay for your downloads.

I pretty much agree with you when we're discussing major labels. But this is generally not the case with electronic music. Many of the small labels that cater to trance, techno, and downtempo are struggling these days because people download music without paying for it, including labels like Twisted, who release Shpongle. Many of these smaller labels are run by the very artists that you are purchasing music from (hint hint.) Smaller independent labels generally pay their artists more and release DRM-free music, hoping that trusting their customers will encourage them to buy the music. Labels perform an important function in releasing new music including handling distribution and promotions. And if you've ever run your own label you would know that it's a lot of work and deserving of payment.

So please save the rhetoric for examples where it's deserved ie major labels and mainstream music, because it doesn't apply here. Support your independent artists and buy CD's or pay for your downloads.

Here is the thing. Simon comes into this tribe. If you honestly think he would be down with you downloading his music as mp3's for free, then you should start a thread and ask him.

"Who says downloading is stealing?"

If you downloaded someone else's hard work without their permisson you are stealing.

"In my books downloading for FREE is legit …"

Your books are wrong. Stealing from independent artists is shameful. We are not talking Brittney Spears here chycho, we are talking about very small labels that survive month to month just like the rest of us. It's shameful and it's wrong to steal someones hard work. Deep in your heart you know that is true. If not then please don't raise kids.

"I’ll go see the artists I love live when they come to town."

Here is the thing, I bet you don't. I bet you are one of the countless people Who show up to events wanting to trade a few moments work for a free entry. Afterall is this not the logical extension of the idea that information/music/art should be free from the shackles of the material and economic world. Goatrance the world over has seen exponential growth in terms of size of events and yet at the same time sales of this very same music has decreased more then 40% over the last 5 years. The more acceptable the notion that the artist should do what they do for the pure love of it and not for money, that trance and in fact all art should be free, the more that point of view will take root in our minds and in our local communities. We need to see money as a form of energy, rather then an evil capitalistic tool of oppression. It is both really, but it is also a means of exchanging our time/energy with each other. It takes a lot of physical/mental/creative and financial resources to create imaginative music. If we want to encourage growth and creativity then we have to contribute. There is no other way.

"That way I know the money is going to them and not a record company that scams people … (ticket master should be the next huge corporation to go and their time is coming soon I hope)"

Your words ring hallow chycho. Did you know that Shpongle (simon) is half owner of his own "record company" Twisted. Do you think you are saving Simon from his own label by stealing his music? What kind of logic is that? Have you even REALLY thought about this or are you just spouting some ramblings you picked up off of some major downloading website talking about downloading U2. These are regular mates like you and me owning these small labels, not some faceless corporate monsters. Get honest with yourself. If you are going to steal at least be honest with YOURSELF and know you are a petty thief.

The rest of your rant is not worth addressing as it addresses major labels and mainstream artists and is a strawman argument as it is not relevant when it comes to discussing the merits of stealing from small independent labels and artists.

Wake up and be honest with yourself.

waxdj.com/djs/5156/

shpongle is in there somewhere, dont sleep on this one, oh and if you do, just listen to it again, !!