Keeping with our ongoing efforts to further expand into as many areas of music as possible, UTG is hoping to engage in real discussions with mainstream rock fans in our latest column, Real Talk. Hosted through weekly video blogs by Pop Evil drummer Chachi Riot, Real Talk is a recurring feature about the state of rock and roll today as expressed by someone living the industry life 24/7. Each week, Chachi and UTG will present a new topic of debate, and we’re hoping our readers will chime in with their thoughts. You can view the second entry below:
Pop Evil are on tour almost year-round. Click here to learn when Chachi and the rest of the band will be in your town next!
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Before we went to see Puddle of Mudd in Bismarck, ND on December 12, 2008, I illegally downloaded Somebody Like You and 100 in a 55 From a band (Pop Evil) I wasn’t familiar with that was opening for them. The night of the show we bought 2 of their CDs and 2 T-shirts. And have since went to 4 more shows by Pop Evil and buy 2 shirts at each show, and purchased 3 copies of War of Angels, and also legally downloaded 2 more exclusive songs on iTunes. So I do believe it did help some newer acts gain fans and revenue. However, if I want to familiarize myself with a band now, I just go to YouTube and listen to some songs, then if I like it I will purchase the album or iTunes download!
I’ve known a few who argue that music shouldn’t even be sold anymore. In any case, piracy is an issue that isn’t going anywhere. Making the best of it is all you can really do unless you’ve got an entire team dedicated to passing out DMCA notices to online file hosts. Most don’t, so it’s normally just best if the artist understands that their music is being heard. All that can do is increase the chance of that individual downloader attending a show, buying a record, or at least suggesting the band to a friend.