Some of us are inclined to think that if something is free, than it’s probably pretty crappy. I tend to be one of those people. But on the flip side, I am always looking for something free online. I can’t help it. Also, I expect it and seeking free stuff online has become one of my compulsions. It’s almost impossible to reconcile this desire for something “free,” with the reality that when something is free, it’s free for a reason.
I am pleased to give away my music for free on this site. I don’t do it because I think it has no value. Quite to the contrary. I do it because I want to share it with as many listeners as possible. I do it because you might want come and see me perform live or want to upgrade and buy a higher quality CD. I do it because over the next several years all online music will be available for free anyway. As I sit here in Colorado, writing on this chilly spring day, I ponder how rapidly the music industry is evolving. Currently:
- You can go to a store and buy a CD.
- You can buy a Mad Francis CD online ( which of course I hope many of you do).
- You can conveniently download music at itunes and amazon.
- You can stream free music on sites like www.grooveshark.com.
- You can download basically anything from bit torrent sites.
- And you can easily share files with your friends.
The bottom line is that the major labels are dinosaurs and are no longer the gate keepers of music. This means that you now have infinite choices that fit your tastes. It also means that with digital replication, there is no way to prevent you from sharing music. I do it too! I accept this. The modern musician must generate income from live shows, merchandise and licensing. CD sales will continue to decline and even music downloads will become obsolete as everything becomes a function of streaming (remember when we used to have ipods?).
The point that I’m trying to make is that soon, price will be an insignificant function of listening to music online and will cease be a good barometer of quality. The premium for new releases is history and the recycle bins are gone. Now, it is truly up to you to determine the turds from the treasures.
If you like my music please share it with your friends and let them know that you’ve found a new treasure. If you think it sounds like a turd, dispose of it accordingly and be grateful that mp3′s don’t literally smell. So go download, upload, share and do it all for free!
