Rock the Net

A group of artists, including Wilco, Bright Eyes, DJ Spooky, They Might Be Giants and Aimee Mann have all donated tracks to an album in support of net neutrality. The album is out on July 29. Artists, long under the thumb of the major label system, are beginning to realize that if they don’t act now, they will be beholden to the new kings of distribution: the ISPs. The internet offers a new opportunity for musicians to go their own way, communicate with their fans and distribute their music the way they want to (several years ago, Wilco’s record label refused to release Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, so the band decided to give it away for free on their website). What’s the difference between picking a fight with EMI or Comcast? For musicians trying to get their music out, I reckon there is no difference.