The new Fall Out Boy album is leaking all over the internet right now, and Pete Wentz got a little pissy on the band’s blog.
“As this tour winds to an end in the south- this last two weeks has felt like forever. There have been so many ups and downs… each city was carefully picked for one reason or another. Thank you for taking part in this with us. On another note our new record has leaked. While this isn’t the end of the world it certainly feels pretty terrible. As an artist we have a vision for how we want our record to be presented and this isn’t it. It is unfortunate that a couple of vultures in a plant somewhere can ruin this vision so easily. On the other hand we understand what its like to wait and wait for a new record… that’s one of the reasons we tried so hard to get a new record out soon. We didn’t want our fans to wait. We appreciate those of you who are still waiting, but like I said, we understand those who have to sneak a peek at the presents under the tree the night before. Please remember that as the music industry changes more and more we only put out records so we can keep touring and travelling. We want to keep this going for as long as possible. Obviously your support helps that. Please take this into consideration with whatever decision you make when it comes to downloading the record and buying it when it is released.
Thanks.”
Okay, he does have a point. And surprisingly, this is eloquently put. This confirms my theory that more popular bands on major labels are the ones who are affected by illegal downloading. Because most of their money comes from record sales. Bands on independent labels make more money from touring. To sell more shows, people need to hear about them and idependent labels cannot pay for the marketing/video making that major labels do. This is where the internet helps. The Arcade Fire,Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! and the Arctic Monkeys would not be who they are if not for internet downloading.
So how do I reconcile my incessant illegal downloading and sometimes sharing? I guess I really haven’t. I’m also someone who cannot delay gratification, so if an album is available right at the moment to download, I can’t wait to go out and by it. Also, the reality is that technology and culture is changing. In a world where mp3 players are the norm and cd players are almost obsolete, is it realistic to think that people will still be buying records? Also, iTunes needs to stop charging per song and have a monthly subscription service.
How I am rationalizing it right now is that since I have started downloading music, my music tastes and ability to judge music has expanded exponentially, and on several occasions I have introduced someone to a band they wouldn’t have originally have listened to. So I am increasing their fanbase, thus creating a market and the opportunity for that band to create more music and tour.
And yes, I do have the new Fall Out Boy album. Haven’t really listened yet.
