Unauthorized use of these MP3 files is really creating a problem for artists in the music community.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Look: I download music illegally, if I really want it. But I always then buy the record - I support art.
I'm against people downloading music.
Napster hijacked our music without asking. They never sought our permission. Our catalog of music simply became available as free downloads on the Napster system.
The reality is that people think it's okay to steal music.
People think that it's their sovereign right to download music and not have to pay for it.
It's funny how the music industry is enraged about the Internet and the way things are copied without being paid for. But you know why people steal the music? Because they can't afford the music.
In this age when people expect to get their music for free, we have to work out how we can protect the rights of creative artists so they are compensated fairly and that the record business itself remains sound and healthy.
I'm happy if my music is being downloaded, whether it's legally or illegally.
There's this thing called compulsory licensing law that allows artists through the record companies to take your music at will without your permission.
I have no problem with people illegally downloading stuff. I'm not going to drive hard into 'You should buy my stuff,' because really, it's inevitable. If you like a song, you're going to download it for free. I have no problem with that.