Lady Gaga, Jack White, Norah Jones And More: 10 Musicians OK With Piracy And Illegal File-Sharing

Following the massive web protests over Congress' online copyright protection bills SOPA and PIPA, as well as the high-profile takedown of file-hosting service Megaupload, the debate surrounding unauthorized file-sharing on the Internet has reached a fever pitch.

Frequent file-sharers, First Amendment activists and hackers are squaring off against government officials, companies like Time Warner, major recording label and music artist to prevent the illegal and free exchange of movies, music, and other media.

Although the odds seem stacked against file-sharing offenders, they do have a few unexpected allies. Well-known musicians like Lady Gaga, Neil Young, Shakira and several other big acts have stated that they are OK with music piracy, if not in full support of it. While their reasons vary, it's clear across the board that these artists tend to care more about sharing their music than selling it for a price.

Check out what 10 artists have to say about music piracy (below) and vote on which you agree with (or disagree with) most.

RATE IT!   |  

VOTE

So wrong!

So right!

CURRENT TOP 5 PICK YOUR OWN TOP 5

USERS WHO VOTED

NEW! CREATE YOUR OWN SLIDESHOW

Comments

[Michael Malz]

11:40 AM on 03/19/2013

Go to artistsvsartists.com to voice your opinion on piracy!
#artistsforpiracy vs. #artistsagainstpiracy

[Midnight Son]

01:03 PM on 05/08/2012

"And music is a gift. That's what it should be, a gift."

This is the one line of reasoning I can't agree with. For Shakira, who is wealthy both through her music and her mate, it's easy to write it off as a "gift." She could sit at home for the rest of her life and never have to worry about needing to earn another cent before she dies in order to eat. If she wants to declare that her music is a gift, cool. However, she's in no position to claim that it should be a gift from anyone who does it. That's up the the person who made it.

[StevePD]

07:21 PM on 04/28/2013

Ultimately it's up to people who they want to give their money to. If people want to support artists financially, they will.

[mErocrush]

04:03 PM on 02/14/2012

I'm a working musician, songwriter and visual artist. And I routinely give my art away for free to anyone I think is interested (and interesting themselves). I have absolutely no sympathy/empathy for people who want huge piles of cash for something 99.9% of the world would happily pay to do. If you want my money, get on the road, come to my town and play a show. If you're any good, I'll be there, with as many friends as I can drag with me. I have no interest in paying artificially inflated CD prices so a bunch of guys in suits have live it up at the expense of truly great music (that almost no label supports). The fact that record labels are dying as a result of file-sharing is an unexpected and delightful bonus that comes with spreading music (new and old) around the world.

I'd write more, but I'm off to the public library to take out a stack of CDs, which I'll be ripping on to my hard drive. If you're one of the whiners upset because I'm not making you rich, I hope one of the CDs I (legally) check out is yours.

[PrincipSid]

08:24 PM on 05/07/2012

Go for it, but do as I do. Support the the independent company's, my band has recorded a few albums on small companies like birdnest records and so on. Support the fellows that loves music and records it because it's great and fun.

[Midnight Son]

01:06 PM on 05/08/2012

"The fact that record labels are dying as a result of file-sharing is an unexpected and delightful bonus that comes with spreading music (new and old) around the world."

Agreed. I've no sympathy for them. Yet, somehow, despite all their whining, they all seem to be living better than most. I truly hope it completely crashes around them.

[annemccue]

10:58 PM on 02/13/2012

When non-music lovers started buying and running record labels the end was in sight. We Indie Artists hang by the skin of our teeth everyday...

[PrincipSid]

08:20 PM on 05/07/2012

I know the feeling, people are stupid and don't like real music. Here in Sweden the solution is to get a job and work with the music part time. It generates good lyrics in the end, what's an artist without pain? And if you spreading your music for free (spotify & grooveshark) you'll get great advertising and can make money on entry fees for gigs and so on

[Amit Nagpal]

10:42 AM on 02/11/2012

i like these ppl. i'll buy their music.

[Carbon Forteetoo]

09:23 AM on 02/11/2012

Norah Jones = so cute!

[write em]

05:39 PM on 02/10/2012

Did a little research on which labels were responsible for these artists first commercial success. All 'indies' listed are owned by one of the major labels. Lady gaga-interscope/atlantic
Shakira- epic/sony. Jack White-v2/Universal, Neil Young- atlantic records, Norah Jones- blue note/emi. I guess once you've used the major labels resources to build up your draw and merchandise sales, you can then afford to pander to your 'hate the majors' fans. Very edgy and forward thinking guys--except for the next gaga, jack, neil, norah who will need major $ and a major label to break them.

[disconnected]

10:32 PM on 02/10/2012

to me, jack is the new neil.

[Midnight Son]

01:09 PM on 05/08/2012

I fail to see any reason to have a problem with them for that. In fact, I hope some of them use their brand enough to give new artists the very break you claim they'll no longer be able to get. For some reason, I imagine that if Radiohead found some bands that they liked, hosted their MP3s on their webpage along with a tour schedule, those bands would experience some pretty fast paced success without having to through the hazing of the music label fratboy BS.

[imonlyhereforthelaughs]

04:00 PM on 02/10/2012

I am not surprised by most of the people on this list.

[BrunoMan]

03:44 PM on 02/10/2012

If the U.S, isn't going to respect intellecual property rights, then let's also dump patents and trademarks for corporations. Let everyone use aveyone else's property for free.

The fans that support piracy are the dumb ones who don't own any copyrights and just want free stuff.

Well, then let's do the same to big PHARMA and let anyone make their drugs. Wouldn't go over well. But Google wants people to use the works of small artists for free. Thay don't care about the middle class. --only the big guys.

[StevePD]

07:24 PM on 04/28/2013

There certainly is a need for reform when it comes to intellectual property rights. Especially considering that a lot of the intellectual property, isn't sitting with the people who created the property in the first place.

[jr4949]

02:46 PM on 02/10/2012

Black Thought (The Roots) said:

if you aint got no paper then steal this cd

[Amanda Bell]

01:44 PM on 02/10/2012

They forgot to mention Trent Reznor and Hoobastank (maybe they just couldn't find quotes from them?).

A lot of people aren't giving fans enough credit here, if someone loves a band, they'll WANT to support the artist so that they can continue to make good music, especially if they're up-and-coming. I don't particularly care to subsidize awful music though. If the music is good enough, the artist WILL survive.

[SCMN99]

12:45 PM on 02/10/2012

I am a Grammy nominated recording and performing artist. I have been creating albums since the 1970’s and I am here to tell you that illegal free downloading has ruined my income.
Here’s what's involved in creating an album:
1.purchase all the electronic equipment for recording and performing the music
2.take months and months to record the album
3.pay the engineer for assisting with the mixdown, the EQ, creating the master tape, etc.
4.pay the company that duplicates all the albums, shrink wrapping, shipping etc.
5.pay the artist for creating the cover, pay for printing all the covers,
6.pay for promoting the new album so everyone knows about it
7.pay for the advertising and all costs for touring to promote the new album.
And you expect us to do this for free? Hello?
Let's say you work Mon to Fri 8 to 5 and the Boss comes in on Fri afternoon and says, “sorry folks, there wont be any checks issued today.” And next Fri afternoon he comes in and tells you the same thing, yet, you still have to keep working. Bottom line: it is not only illegal to steal copyrighted material and download it for free, but it is the greatest dishonor you can do to a recording artist. The right thing to do is to actually pay the artist for the gift they give. Thanks for listening.

[netzwerg]

02:22 PM on 02/10/2012

Only very few artists can make a living on their art.
You say you made Albums since the 1970s - did your Albums sell at all before the Internet age?

I really can't understand artists, that expect life long royalties for having made some music 20-30-40 years ago.
I don't want to be impolite, but did you ever think about the possibility that your art is no longer appreciated and other music/bands are popular nowadays?
Are your Albums on iTunes? I'd like to listen in...

[SCMN99]

12:52 PM on 02/11/2012

My Grammy nominated album sold over 100,000 copies. I have composed many albums since then and have an international fan base that faithfully follows my music. Since the music is "timeless" - it is not dependant on what's 'popular' at any particular point in time. This music comes from a different realm. The point being made is that illegal free downloading has ruined careers because it has ruined artists income. I'm not about to reveal my identity online but I thank you for writing and thanks for your interest.

[benpatient]

03:45 PM on 02/10/2012

"The right thing to do is to actually pay the artist for the gift they give"

If I have to pay for it, it isn't a gift, and you're not "giving" it to me.

Your checklist for what is involved in recording an album is outdated and irrelevant for today's musicians. Some of my favorite albums of the last decade were recorded for less than $10,000 dollars start to finish. All you need is a $2000 computer, a $500 microphone, a quiet room, and your instruments. Distribute digital-only until costs are recouped. You don't have to pay for promotion or advertising if people really like your music. We have the internet now.

See noisetrade.com. See kickstarter.com. They are doing it, and it works.

The big-business model of music-making that you grew up and grew old in is a relic of a different time. 100 years ago, there was basically no music business. 100 years from now, it will be effectively the same. There is no reason that a "normal" person making a living as a musician should be entitled to an exorbitant lifestyle. You mention working Mon-Friday, 8 to 5 for a Boss. Imagine, if you will, that most people actually live that experience. If you're a "successful musician" from the 70s, you probably don't even know what it really means to go to a job every day that you really don't want to do.

[SCMN99]

02:11 PM on 02/11/2012

thnx for yr suggestions....we're already aware of all these sites... our albums are all over the internet and have been since the internet began... the albums were on itunes, cdbaby, amazon, soundcloud, etc ever since those sites were launched...and we have an upcoming a project on kickstarter. we're way ahead of you...!

[Juicyhil]

09:47 AM on 02/10/2012

Maybe because for money no one will listen to their music?

[netzwerg]

02:05 PM on 02/10/2012

Ding ding ding, we have a winner!

[Darrion Beckles]

09:39 AM on 02/10/2012

Most talented Indie Artists just want people to hear them, see them, acknowledge them and their work. These industry people don't care whether their art inspires a kid to pick up a paintbrush or guitar, or whether they're reaching out and relating to people they'll probably never meet, or that a part of themselves will live on a thousand years after they leave this life... No, all they care about is getting paid. They want every percentage of a cent, no exception, because many of these artists have adapted a lifestyle for themselves that was easier to maintain when they had more power over what gets heard and seen. Which brings me to my next point..

I think to industry folk its more than that. With technology evolving, and distribution and production becoming easier, cheaper, faster, and more available to the 'common man'; they've realized that they are quickly becoming irrelevant. Soon, they'll no longer have a monopoly on talent, because talent can do it on its own, and make money without them, the middle men. They're desperate......

[PabloBass]

08:49 AM on 02/10/2012

As a life-long professional musician, producer & music business veteran, I have to point out that for these artists who have been fortunate enough to reach the level they have, are coming from a very rare position.Their labels pay for recording and production costs. Most working musicians do not have this option. Before file sharing and the ipod era, through small distribution and local record store networks, smaller artists could sell enough Cd's, cassettes, or LP's to pay for production costs and make a profit. In the iTunes 99 cent-a-song era this is no longer the case (not to mention the fact that single songs rather than entire albums are sold more).
Most popular artists would not be know to the masses without the support their labels gave them. This support along with the addition of a vast amount of diverse music retailers and radio are the reason we know these artist's work. This network has vanished.
Although the internet makes it available for anyone to post their work, it's also increased the amount of sub-par music out there and makes it harder for a lot of listeners to sort through. There is so much incredible music out there that most people will never have the opportunity to hear.
Every dedicated artist wants people to hear their music, and real professionals have worked hard to make it sound the way they envision. It should have some value.

[SCMN99]

12:54 PM on 02/10/2012

thanks PabloBass... nice to see another profession­al musician, producer & music business veteran informing others how it all works. I just posted my story under ID - SCMN99

[sssteverrr]

01:25 AM on 02/11/2012

Oh right, I get it. It's not the major labels pushing lip sinced robots that create sub-par music it's the Internet .

Give me a break.

[PabloBass]

11:55 AM on 02/11/2012

Of course major labels push bad music (which has always been the case, but a lot of people like and buy bad music! They also made and promoted a lot of great stuff). Record labels are like any other human system, with both good and bad people doing both good and bad things(as one who worked with both major and small labels for many years, I know this first hand.)
My point is, since the breakdown of the retail and radio model (which had places for all types of music) there has been a massive reduction in the ability for both independent and even well-known artists to make any profit from selling their music. This isn't the sole fault of technology, but it has created a situation in which listeners who used to purchase music no longer feel the need to and it's the artists who suffer.