Music Business Not As Usual

So as most people know the 2 bills SOPA and PIPA did not pass, but before you rejoice you should be aware that although this big looming monster was caged, secretly a bunch of little monsters were set free while we were preoccupied.  Many people have heard about the raid and shutting down of file sharing giant Megaupload, but how many also heard about Uploaded, Filesonic, and the others that have suddenly and quietly been either shut down or restricted from web access in the US?  How many Soundcloud users have gotten warnings sent to them about having their accounts terminated if they have repeat violations or had their files removed for copyright infringement  even though their screening process allowed them through previously?

Social media such as Facebook and Twitter have been ablaze with chatter about recent events and proponents of both sides of the fence have been weighing in with their take on the situation.  While file sharing sites like Megaupload and Filesonic allow users to send and receive legitimate files and even pay for premium access to larger file sharing, they have long been an outlet for piracy.  Whether you are one that prefers your media free or you are a content owner who has had their rights violated this new wave of Internet control is scary.

On the subject of music, electronic music in particular, I feel that blogs and file sharing have led to the genre becoming a global phenomenon.  It has allowed otherwise bedroom producers and DJs to become worldwide superstars, sometimes seemingly overnight.  That never would have happened without a little bit of illegal file sharing and Soundcloud.  In particular, bootlegs and mashups have been at the forefront of this revolution.  The era of the demo tape is gone.  Long live the links!

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