Skrillex: If You're Broke, Please Pirate My Album...
So, what happens when you tell your fans that piracy is okay? Even when your major label says it's definitely not okay? You may just end up with more purchases in the end, and much stronger fan relationships.
The latest pro-piracy message comes from Skrillex (Big Beat/Atlantic/Warner Music Group), who just told his fans to pirate his latest album if they can't afford to buy it. "Happy holidays just like I promised," Skrillex posted on his Facebook page. "Just like i always say, go pirate it if you don't have money... i just want you to have it... or you can buy it here... either way I'll love you."
It's a very different game of psychology. And, here's how fans reacted:
Skrillex later pointed to the paid versions as being more reliable and higher-quality, especially for fellow deejays. The Bangarang EP was posted just ahead of Christmas, and is being sold exclusively on Beatport (here). And, in classic Beatport fashion, tracks are sold for the elevated price of $2.49, with the total 7-song set going for $17.43. Other stores will get the track on the 27th (Tuesday), though we're not aware of exactly how configurations and pricing will be changed. (And, we're also not sure how Spotify fits into this mix, so stay tuned on that.)
Skrillex fans are in for a rich, complex release, and if you've been to a Skrillex show, you may even recognize a track or three. But this EP - and Skrillex's stance on piracy - also invites some very complex issues involving other artists, publishers, and labels. For example, 'Breakn' a Sweat' is a collaboration with the remaining members of the Doors, a lead-up to Re:Generation, a documentary slated for release in February.
This also includes an excerpt from an old Jim Morrison interview, which contains some very forward-thinking thoughts on electronic music. And, other guests including Ellie Goulding and Wolfgang Gartner.
Skrillex is inked to Big Beat Records, a subsidiary of Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group. And, if that wasn't complex enough, Skrillex was just bestowed with huge Grammy nomination accolades, a huge endorsement from an oftentimes old-school, crusty group of industry critics.
Which raises the question: is everyone cool with this? Let's see.
/paul. Written while listening to (of course) the Bangarang EP.
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Hilarious
Monday, December 26, 2011Talk is cheap, at least from the internetz.
Show us first month numbers broken down per week and we'll see how this really pans out...
The best part is that Skrillex wins in the end no matter what...his record/pub advances are likely huge, and he's making a killing playing live. What does he care how long it takes to recoup? He probably makes that money in a month on the road at this point.
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effin
Monday, December 26, 2011yes. he can afford to play good cop bad cop in his situation.
also, say the artist wants to give away his album on his own terms (including for free in exchange for say, an email address), why should he be forced to compete with pirate sources for the control of his own intellectual property? many people miss this point.
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Yves Villeneuve
Monday, December 26, 2011I don't know if all the facebook comments are honest. In my opinion, it won't necesssarily increase sales of his music. Probably do worse over the long term, if not the short to intermediate term.
Should people who can't afford one receive a free car? There is a fundamental flaw in this type of thinking.
I would say Skrillex is trying to be admired by more people rather than helping out the poor, in practical terms.
I think if you can afford an internet connection you can afford to splurge on an album you perceive as valuable. If not then make decisions that will increase your income and wealth.
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a brave anonymous
Monday, December 26, 2011yves, every word you write is so predictable, i'm starting to think you actually are a robot.
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Yves Villeneuve
Monday, December 26, 2011Visitor
Monday, December 26, 2011I hope he's keeping an eye on that clock. Fifteen minutes may sound like a long time, but it goes by quickly when you're having fun.
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