Downloading music has become a popular online pastime, with music files being saved from the Internet for future use. However, this practice didn’t begin on the most positive note. Initially considered illegal, file-sharing technologies provided free music to the public without the consent of the music copyright owners. Sites like Napster, which became infamous for this practice, were eventually shut down due to breaking copyright laws.
Many artists felt betrayed by the practice of downloading music, as their hard-earned music was being shared without their permission, causing losses in music sales. Numerous lawsuits ensued, leading to the shutdown of several other sites. However, legal digital downloads through platforms like iTunes in 2003 brought a solution, making downloading music an active pastime while adhering to copyright laws. This resulted in a surge in sales records, with Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy topping the U.K. Singles Chart solely through digital distribution.
Interestingly, many artists themselves joined the online game of downloading music, making their music available on personal and commercial sites. These downloads, however, were either brief previews or low-quality sampling, enabling the artists to market their music to those who preferred downloading music and make money through music outlets.
While the practice of downloading music was initially shaky, compromise and innovative technological advances have made it possible for the practice to continue, legally and with the consent of the artists and music copyright owners.
