That the record companies claims the artists lose money because of the piracy is no news. Wether the net effect is that the companies are losing or actually earning more because of the p2p sharing of music is one thing, but what else is threatening the artists’ income?
The Register (among many) writes about Fiona Apple, and her third album, “Extraordinary Machine”. It was recorded and produced in May 2003, and… that’s it. It wasn’t released by Sony. The reason? Well, would it be any sound reason in any case? Corporate drones, bean counters, personal taste… The result is still the same: Fiona Apple isn’t making money on the album she made, not because of sharing over p2p networks, but because of Sony itself.
But the album made its way out in the free anyway. First via a DJ on radio, and later the whole album in CD quality mp3 files. So the only way fans of Fiona – and other people who would buy the album – can get it, is to download it. For free. Without Fiona nor Sony getting anything at all for it. Smart move, Sony. Not. If it can’t be released on CD because it would be too expensive, there are many ways and places to sell it online by download, with no costs for CD manufacturing.
Of course, one may wonder how that DJ got hold of those mp3 files in the first place. There must be someone inside Sony, or…?
So, how is the album? Why not find out for yourself? This page has some links where you can find it and download. I’m listening to it now, and so far I like it. 🙂