Money Making Music – a response…

This is my response to Why music can’t ‘just be free’ - http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda/2008/nov/18/digitalmusic-digitalmedia

I think copyright law is still valid, though individual deals need to outline the circumstances clearly and be worded in such a way that is of practical use in today’s music business. Music should be free to the masses. Music should be sold to business entities that are using it’s powerful emotion evoking properties to sell their own products or services.

I am a musician. I am not bothered by any individual downloading my music for free and giving it to all his/her friends. However, when that material is being used during a tv commercial or in a movie, where others are making money through the use of my creation, I demand compensation. That is where money is to be made in music right now. Not in selling to listener’s who use music as a means of transcendence and enjoyment. But in selling to the people who use music as a tool for personal profit.

Charge the people who are using it, give it out for free to those who only wish to experience it.