As soon as music makes to a file sharing network, it becomes incredibly difficult to remove it since one would need to track down and remove every source that has a copy. While the music industry is worried about chart music being illegally shared online, artists on the other hand are more worried about unreleased music making it online. As a result of this, Artists such as U2 are keeping a sharp eye online such as on file sharing networks incase any of their music waiting for release appears on the Internet.
Since the artists would be unable to remove the sources of online pirate copies, particularly those on P2P networks, their only choice is to release their music early either in stores or via on online music service before potential customers end up grabbing hold of stolen and potentially unfinished copies. Examples include albums released by Eminem, 50 Cent and Metallica.
U2 recently had a rough cut album stolen out of their French studio. This album is due for release on CD in November, however should any
stolen tracks appear online they will release their album immediately on
iTunes. Quakester2000 submitted the following news via our news submit :
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Reuters quoted a source saying an early iTunes release may be "one of the alternatives" if music stolen from a French studio last week appeared. Singer Bono told the Daily Telegraph this week they would "release it immediately" if the songs were found. Their US label Interscope has said the record is still due in November. It would be an unprecedented move if a band as big as U2 rush released their album on a digital format because of piracy fears. Read the full article here. |
Music which is unfinished and makes its way online is often much worse than the same music making it online after its official release date. Like unfinished software, unfinished music may sound quite different from the final recording and could make potential customers think twice before purchasing the final release if they do not like the draft version.
Source: BBC News - Entertainment
