Everyday, I get a daily ‘alert’ informing me whenever my name is mentioned on a blog or website. Usually these are on-line reviews, recent interviews being posted, or just a mention on a web forum.
Well, for the past several weeks, I’ve been seeing increasing numbers of links next to the words ‘Alex Skolnick Trio,’ with words like: ‘Download All You Want, ‘Free MP3’s’ ‘Free Full Albums.’ These are usually accompanied by tags such as hotshare, rapid file, mega-upload etc… The picture is one of countless examples. In other words, more and more illegal sites are joining in every day to, without our permission, give away our new album for free.
My first instinct was to just stand idly by and accept it. ‘There’s nothing we can do, it’s just what’s going on right now, it’s how it is, blah blah…’ But then, as I was running on the treadmill at my gym, I thought about it deeply. And I got pissed. I realized I’ve been standing idly by at things my whole life. No more.
Music is the stitching interwoven into the fabric of so many of our lives. How is it possible that something so valuable has been misused, abused, mishandled and run into the ground on all levels? Now, as if things aren’t bad enough, we’ve got people taking our work, which we’ve put countless time, heart, soul and sacrifice into, and handing it out like a cheap pamphlet.
If the majority of musicians are unable to achieve basic, respectable, economically viable careers, then the entire art form is in trouble. And the least I can do is voice how I truly feel. If just one person reconsiders obtaining their music from these illegal sites, then that’s a small victory.
So when someone asked where the could purchase ‘Veritas’ I posted some info along with this following message:
Whatever u do, please don’t get it from ‘free download’ sites. They are killing artists & music. They must be stopped.
What followed was an overwhelming flurry of activity on the internet in support of this cause. It’s been a worldwide call to arms. I’ve been joined by fans and musicians of all styles. Some are jazz musicians. Some are metal musicians. A few are in high profile bands (Lamb Of God, All That Remains, DevilDriver, Unearth…).
Of course there are a few who believe in ‘free music ideals.’ Some even have the audacity to imply that our motive is to get rich. These people are clearly disconnected from the realities of the music biz.
I can assure you that in the band I’m most known for, Testament, no one has gotten rich. The other guys have outside work- blue collar jobs and some have spouses that do as well.
In my case, I’ve been able to channel guitar playing into work as a session guitarist and live/touring musician for hire. I consider myself lucky. Similarly, the guys in AST get by on music but just barely. They’re highly skilled players who are able to get session and live have to do as many local gigs as they can with whomever will hire them in order to get by.
We’ve all paid dues that would cause some to never pick up their instruments again.
I don’t think it’s asking too much for any of us, Testament or AST, to live off of our recorded music on a basic level. Do you?
What follows is the conversation as it unfolded on Twitter over the course of a couple days. There were far too many tweets to post here so I’ve attempted to limited it to the most relative ones. In the case of those that extended beyond the 140 character limit there are links that can be copied and pasted. , As of right now, the entire, unedited enchilada is still available on Twitter itself, just look at my Profile @alexskolnick.
Suddenly, It feels like we’re all marching in protest. I’m humbled and honored that so many are now starting to pay attention via these tweets. And as folks continue to re-tweet these statements and urge their own followers to pay attention, there is frequent mention of the word ‘truth.’ I cannot think of any word more fitting. For as many of you know, the Latin word for truth, is ‘Veritas.’
Whatever u do, please don’t get it from ‘free download’ sites. They are killing artists & music. They must be stopped.
26 Apr
Seeing my album on more & more ‘free download’ sites everyday. Most of us aren’t pop stars, people. Not cool. Not cool at all
26 Apr
We need the profits from our albums to pay for more albums & tours, otherwise we can’t afford to do it. Please tell everyone.
26 Apr
RT @__Trouble_: i respect u too much to dnload when i buy this it will b directly from you it’s ur craft so it’s ur money
26 Apr
I know most of u are buying albums legally and thank u. 🙂 But these ‘free download’ sites are going to hurt us all.
26 Apr
Yes. Most of us do RT@UnusuallyGifted: Alex, are you claiming that you fund your own albums and tours out of your own pocket?
26 Apr
Where’s the $ going to come from? The tooth fairy? Even if u get label support, it has to be paid back RT@UnusuallyGifted:
26 Apr
Most artists’ business is like a tiny ‘mom&pop’ shop. Metallica is like Wal-Mart. Ideal spokesmen? No. Totally right? Yes.
26 Apr
Since yesterday, ‘Veritas’ has appeared on five, (five!) more ‘free download’ sites. WTF is this?! C’mon already.
27 Apr
Flattered there’s a demand, but gimme a break. Just buy the f–king thing.
27 Apr
Whoever’s running all this Filesonic, Rapidshare, Megaupload, etc: you may be a bunch of bullies. But this is OUR schoolyard.
27 Apr
Think you can keep taking our milk money? We’re gonna find you after school, bitch. Your day will come. Watch.
27 Apr
Agreed. The system is broken. But supporting these sites makes it worse. RT @walterbach: there are times tha… (cont) http://deck.ly/~nmefO
27 Apr
RT @Lindy6277: You have to be creator, promoter, businessman, and financer. Then keep your fingers crossed that it all works.
27 Apr
RT @MeckDeck: I think most folks have no grasp of the economics of recording n touring as an original, creative entity w/ high standards etc
27 Apr
RT @JayArlenScraba: people have no idea A) what it costs to tour and B) don’t realize not everybody gets their tours sponsored by pepsi.
27 Apr
?RT@nicktoma: labels will never have power again. Future models will be based on free music ideals. New media can’t be swept under the rug.
27 Apr
Agreed the big labels helped cause this. But the problem with ‘free music ideals’ is that it costs money to record and tour.
27 Apr
The big labels set fire to the industry: overcharging, churning out crap music. Like burning a building for insurance money.
27 Apr
…And their burning buildings have caused the whole neighborhood to catch on fire. We’re all running for our lives.
27 Apr
So if the big label execs are like arsonists & you’re plundering the charred remains stealing music, what does that make you?
27 Apr
That makes you a looter. And there’s no honor and integrity in that.
27 Apr
Of course, if honor and integrity don’t matter to you, then maybe you don’t care.
27 Apr
But wasn’t it lack of honor and integrity that created this mess in the first place?
27 Apr
Tons of feedback coming in (Jimi would be proud). Life outside of twitter beckons for now, but stay tuned (pun intended)
27 Apr
Pls understand, its not about me. Not in the least. As someone who loves music, I’d like to see it have a future.
27 Apr
Really interesting comments today. I think we’re all in agreement that the old school system of record labels is outmoded.
27 Apr
But what I’m not getting is the notion that ARTISTS shouldn’t earn from their music. Not talking about getting rich…
27 Apr
We’re talking being able to do your own music as a viable, sustainable source of income- a respectable career choice.
27 Apr
RT @noamjamski: speaking from experience of getting knicked as well, it is not your fans and you can’t stop it. The sites clone each other.
27 Apr
If I could afford Lars’ attorneys, I would @bluelizardmusic RT @G_Un: i have! Just thought you were gonna go lars Ulrich on the sites?
27 Apr
RT @emoon09: Totally unacceptable. If you like an artist’s work, buy the music legally! Veritas is very good btw.
27 Apr
Unfortunately, that costs money, esp. as support act RT @dsmurthi: Ithe money lies on the stage. perform. that’s what they cant take from U.
27 Apr
RT @robmcauslan:The ‘major label’ philosophy and model are dying, unsustainable. Smart artists and labels are moving away from it in droves.
27 Apr
iTunes has 90 second previews now RT @jorgdegroot: well spoken! It would be nice to preview it first, than buy or better: use Spotify.
27 Apr
True RT@JohanssonShreds: decadent musicians making bad deals for a quick buck weren’t helping things either… (cont) http://deck.ly/~DbE9L
27 Apr
Paid downloads make sense RT @RegissonSilva: I totally agree with you!! What you think about paid download, ve… (cont) http://deck.ly/~sMJB5
27 Apr
RT @UnusuallyGifted: Mom&pop shops get by. If they can’t, they close. But they accept they won’t be walmart ri… (cont) http://deck.ly/~xHpXP
27 Apr
A store shouldn’t have to close because the merchandise keeps getting stolen. No logic to your argument RT@UnusuallyGifted:
27 Apr
U go girl RT @Necolodian: A&R of my company is focusing on fast food artists, not talented musicians. I’m fighting against it vigorously!!!
27 Apr
Good to have a strong friend come and back you up at the playground.. RT @lambvox: You are on fire bro- speak the truth! Most won’t get it
27 Apr
Just buy from somewhere RT @kfirah: serious q- which is better? buying from place like iTunes or small record store business?
27 Apr
It’s useless. Unless you play for symphonies, Broadway, film or TV RT@Tesscrash: Isn’t there some sort of musician’s union?
27 Apr
Great thoughts & questions, thx. Sorry if I can’t get to them all. Dinner break, will check back in soon…
27 Apr
Thanks man. At the end of the day, your brain is ‘all that remains.’ RT @philthatremains: Follow @AlexSkolnick He’s got a brain.
28 Apr
Hey Buz Unearth in da house YoRT @buzmcgrath: Follow @alexskolnick !! He is FACTS !!!
28 Apr
Not feasible but good idea RT @Tesscrash: Is forming one for recording & touring artists a feasible option? Maybe not a union, per se…
28 Apr
Not unless you’re a mega-seller. But even pennies help. RT @dlc3172: Do you get decent “royalties” from subscription services like Rhapsody?
28 Apr
RT @1Musibelle: This specie of untalented/uncreative musicians is growing 2 quickly.. Thank god they go as fast as they came.
28 Apr
RT @1Musibelle: But these untalented show offs take the spotlight from the true master musicians like U and that pisses me off..
28 Apr
RT@maschem67: In the end it comes down to respect for the art and artist regardless of media
28 Apr
In US, very true. Better abroad RT@JayArlenScraba: Do you think it’s possible that the culture has never seen art as a valuable commodity?
28 Apr
Incl. some recognized names RT @cuzzitthechimp: @JayArlenScraba and some bands come home pennyless or WAY deep in the hole
28 Apr
I do, at least for the foreseeable future RT@HJD1996: Do you believe independent distribution is the way forward?
28 Apr
Thx 4 today. It’s all about believing in real music of all styles & its survival in the future. Goodnight tweet people.
28 Apr