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Why free music?

That's a strange question. Here's mine: Why pay for something that can be produced with spare money and free time, and which can be replicated and distributed at no cost by anyone?

Music is recognized the world over as a key component of our cultural existence -- it has long been a part of who we are as humans. In some capacity it is appreciated and enjoyed by almost every living person on the planet. It has real value, and those who produce and perform it contribute real value to society.

In the face of that, it should not surprise anyone with a background in business, finance, law or history that a commercial industry has been built around it. According to the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), sales of music accounted for over $18 billion (US) spent by individuals globally in 2008. In addition, billions more were spent to manage and promote the artists, to package and distribute the albums, and to support auxiliary industries like radio advertisement, television advertisement (via MTV and the like), performance venues, ticket vendors, and so on.

Naturally, the music industry has many adherents standing in defense of it. But as others have struggled to learn throughout the process of internet proliferation, change can be swift and relentless. The IFPI cites that 95% of music downloads are illegal (read: "not paid for"), and although they publish that statistic with fingers pointed spitefully at others, it may be clearest evidence that the tide has turned against them for good. The music industry as we know it, which is dominated by large publishers, will eventually fade into relative obscurity. And when it does, no one should worry that music will fail to carry on without it.

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