downloading music?

[Rev. Bill]

I did an article on my site on this. After some Bible study, I concluded that:

a) Christians should pay for music if they can afford it.
b) Christian artists should make music available free to those who can't afford it.

Well, you got it part right - Christians should pay for music.

Really though, I'd be interested to know what scriiptures in your study led you to the second half of part A (if they can afford it) or to the entirety of part B.

I think you may be significantly underestimating the preparation and expense that goes into producing, replicating, and distributing a finished CD. It can be a HUGE financial undertaking and often is how the artist provides for the needs of his/her family. In most cases, the artist gets very little of the total fee; the majority goes to the record label.

But just so you know, there are many independent Christian artists who write and distribute music as a ministry,soley to benefit the body of Christ. You can find many free and legitimate (artist authorized ) downloads of Christian artists at sites such as {I'm not allowed to give the url since I don't have enough posts- e mail me at office@lwfm.org if you want some ref sites} and other artist sites. My songs are available for free MP3 download on several sites, and the same is true for many of my brothers and sisters in the CSO (Christian Songwriting Organization).

- Bill




PS: A CD recorded in a project studio may cost $7,000-10,000 to record, not including reproducing the CD, marketing it, or delivering it. This is for studio expense without a producer.

A CD recorded in a small independent studio can cost upwards of $30,000 for musicians and tape fees. The producer will add on to this and take a large percentage of futures.

I am told by an acquaintance who once owned Mercury records (and their entire artists catalog), that it typically costs upwards of $100,000 to record a professionally produced 3 song DEMO at a "good" studio. It blows your mind if you think about it too much....

 

[twosteppin]

no one has mentioned the positives of downloading music. If I hadnt downloaded songs, there would be about three bands that I would have never bought insanely pricey tickets to go see . and about 97% of the bands I listen to, I would have never had the chance to hear. Can I afford to buy 18 dollar CD's? No. The internet has brought bands, that would have other wise had no chance of getting airplay, to people who generally enjoy their music.
Is it stealing? Sure. call it that. but dont tell other people not to do it, if you have decided not to.

 

[SDSUMarcus01]

Is it stealing? Sure. call it that. but dont tell other people not to do it, if you have decided not to.

I don't think that arguement holds water. What if somebody who liked raping women said "Don't tell other people not to do it, if you have decided not to." I think not.

No I think we're called upon to tell or Christian brothers and sisters when they are sinning.

You've admitted that it is stealing. There is no excuse that can justify that now.

It is illegal by law, and we are told to obey the laws of authority unless they contradict the Bible.

So in essence, it's like two sins in one... you're stealing, and you're breaking the law.

Let me put it this way, if you died and God asked you why you were pirating music, what would you say?

 

[twosteppin]

I see your point.

 

[BranwenUerchLlyr]

Just my point of view..

If we have trouble applying God's laws to things as insignificant as music, how well do you think we'll do when it comes to something much more important?

 

[Lyta Alexander]

Come think of it I dont' see anything wrong with downloading music

Most of music on the net come from MP.3 other net users so it really third or fourth party

If Lars have problem

Somebody be going down to LA streets

I be walking out

 

[sweetlambofgod]

I dont think God is against it especially if its Christian music.

 

[Kai Briggs]

Well, this is really a debatable subject. I have downloaded music from Relient K(Christian Group), and it helps me. As many know, the internet is full of temptation. And I find it helps me to listen to Christian music to avoid the temptation. I no longer struggle with the problem of temptation on the internet and it is greatly in part due to downloaded music. So I wonder if perhaps it is ok if your intent is pure.

 

[simguy83]

Look, let us get something straight here. Downloading is illegal and thus sinful. Now, God hates sin with a passion. He absolutely detests it. He knows what it does to his children and he really really does not like it - at all.

We may commit a sin (such as downloading music) and not think to much about it, but we do not know how it might be affecting God. A sin is a sin, and just because we might be able to have a laugh about it, God can't and it really upsets him. Please, please, please think more carefully.

 

[Grolin]

Some artists offer their music for download on their sites.
Plus some live recordings are legal to download.

So it really depends.

But if it's an illegal download (ie. without the artist/company's permission) then it's illegal. Even if the law is stupid, it doesn't make it less wrong to break the law in this instance, where it's not going against God.

 

[simguy83]

Obvioulsy if the artist allows it then there is no problem. Downloading that new album of Kazaa though has crossed the border

 

[HolyRoller]

why is there a debate about this? it's illegal to download music that you aren't paying for, unless the artist is giving it away for free. i mean, regardless of legal matters, as Christians, shouldn't it irk us to take something from someone without paying them for it? We should be the FIRST people to stand up and say "this is wrong."

AMEN

 

[p3t0r]

I havnt read what has been going on in this forum fully, only the first page, but from what i understand yes downloading music is illegal and unfair to the people who help make money and earn a living off thier music making income etc. But I don't think that owning downloaded music is so much of a sin but to make a profit off it is. Then again, what am i saying? "not much of a sin. its either a sin or not . ."

but as for the law. I am wanting to debate on some issues regarding laws, some things such as marijuana. In Australia It is Illegal, Demark, Amstradam is legal, you can get it at coffee shops. In Australia Guns are illegal, USA, just need a permit or licence or whatever. is it true that there are some flaws when it comes to the Law?

 

[Bayhawks83]

i sorta think new bands need file sharing programs. bands that already made it big like metallica shouldnt complain. every band isnt going to make it big by the old fashioned am/fm radio.

 

[DrminFrJesus]

i dont think it tis fair 2 the artists.......isnt it like stealing?

 

[HoT-MetaL]

My personal feelings are.

It is fine as long as its a 'try before you buy' attitude, where you simply want to sample the music.

But.

I do NOT agree with sharing the files, if you want to try before you buy, then do that, and then go and buy it. Dont make an FTP or an FSERVE out of it.

Also.

Dont take the attitude of 'I cant afford it.' The other day I cracked open my old Dance music cd's, and I was like "Yeah i like this, but it isnt christian." So I prayed and prayed all day for some money for Andy Hunter - Exodus, went to the bank, and found I had an extra £10. The CD is £15, but out of faith I went to the christian bookshop. There I found that £5 was knocked off of the CD, so I could buy it.
Rely on GODS strength, not your own.

God Bless, metal.

 

[mgairs]

No it's not actually. The legality of the issue is in regard to copyright. If you own the track on the CD, then you have a licence to have that music.

This all depends on what country you are in. Under UK/EU copyright laws, changing the medium of any music is illeagal (cds to computer/mini disk etc.) So technically you have the licence to listen to that CD only on the CD that it came from.

 

[Roo6339]

My personal feelings are.

It is fine as long as its a 'try before you buy' attitude, where you simply want to sample the music.

But.

I do NOT agree with sharing the files, if you want to try before you buy, then do that, and then go and buy it. Dont make an FTP or an FSERVE out of it.

Also.

Dont take the attitude of 'I cant afford it.' The other day I cracked open my old Dance music cd's, and I was like "Yeah i like this, but it isnt christian." So I prayed and prayed all day for some money for Andy Hunter - Exodus, went to the bank, and found I had an extra £10. The CD is £15, but out of faith I went to the christian bookshop. There I found that £5 was knocked off of the CD, so I could buy it.
Rely on GODS strength, not your own.

God Bless, metal.

my thoughts exactly.

 

[t3hs0x]

I used to download a few, now and then.. But roughly 1yr ago i thought about it... And found that it was not right... There's a lot of all these nowadays.. My classmates, prolly half the class are doing that..

 

[Collide]

I pay for most (can't say all because I HAVE copied friends cd and downloaded one or two tracks from an artist to try them out) of my christian music. I dont have as much of a moral issue with secular bands..but I still usually buy through itunes (www.itunes.com) its a program for legally downloading music...99c per track. Artist gets payed, you can get only the songs you want...everybodys happy. I still occasionaly download from secular artists I have to admit and...I dont really have any guilt or moral issues with it but that is another story with christian artists. And....I have spent over $300 in christian cd's...I love the bands and want to support them