BMR Discovers People Steal Music: Music World Shocked!

The Guardian has reported the results of a recent British Music Rights (BMR) study. Not surpisingly, 95% of the 18-24 year olds surveyed partake in some kind of copyright infringement. In addition, the Guardian reports that copying CDs and transfer of files between friends is much more prevalent than P2P online music exchange.

The article and BMR does well to recognize that given the current state of affairs illegal copying is not going away. Also, BMR suggests that alternative models need to be suggested rather than holding true to outdated practices.

The only major issue I have is that BMR Chief (and former Undertones singer) is quoted as saying, “at some point musicians and songwriters have to make enough money out of it otherwise they stop doing it.”

It seems to me that music is so inherent and important to our being that most of us create, listen, and consume music out of desire and a joy to do so, rather than for monetary benefits. Perhaps some will drop out of the business in because of lack of funds, but the people with the real passion will continue to create and distribute their sound as a labor of love.

I say look to look towards the massive growth of web 2.0, specifically blogs s proof. The great majority of authors create their own content out of a desire to create, rather than a desire to make money. Making money is an added benefit and not a primary motivator in the desire to create.

Music and its distribution, especially in the “DIY-made-easy Internet age,” will continue long past the demise of major labels as they are structured today. The majors need to realize this and adapt rather than fighting it and destroying themselves in the process.

Original story via The Guardian

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