Offspring's Next Album To Be Offered As Free Downloads

[Swag1138]

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Punk band Offspring said Friday it will give away its new album on the Web, hitting a sour note with a recording industry fighting a landmark copyright case against Internet song-swap service Napster (news - web sites), which it accuses of promoting online piracy.

Offspring's strategy directly contradicts the recording industry's argument that Napster's technology is hurting sales by enabling fans to get music for free.

Sony Corp.'s Sony Music, which distributes Offspring and is one of the five big labels suing Napster, told the band to cancel the giveaway but the band has refused, industry sources said.

``Digital downloading is not hurting CD sales,'' said Offspring's manager Jim Guerinot.
Reuters Full Story

Offspring will also award one fan participating in the download with $1 million, the prize coming directly from the members of the group. "This money came directly to us from our fans," says Offspring frontman Dexter Holland, in a statement. "We feel it would be cool to redirect it back to them. We are trying to launch our album with promotions that are fan supportive rather than fan exploitative. We feel that giving them our music and letting them have back some of their money is a great way to show how much they mean to us." The contest winner will be announced on MTV on November 14.

From the Launch Story

There are more, Ill post em if you want em. Did a search, didnt find anything.

This is hella cool. I know that I will download the MP3s, AND buy the cd. What do you think?

 

[apoppin]

Isn't this what Smashing Pumpkins just did? Except theirs won't (probably) be released on CD at all.

 

[kami]

You buy CDs? :Q

That is pretty cool though. MP3's never did hurt CD sales...so really, wtf is the RIAA bitching about? WHy don't they try and embrace the technology instead of setting their pack of lawyers loose?

 

[kami]

apoppin, i think their record company didn't like the material so SP said screw them and just released it for everyone. Now everyone is actually liking the stuff...I bet those dimwits are kickin themselves now...they could be swimming in even more money.

 

[Swag1138]

Yeah, the coolest thing, is that Offspring are also giving everyone who downloads the songs, a chance to win a million bucks too!

Eat that RIAA!

 

[BigToque]

This is great. I bet you this wont hurt their album sales at all.

Then maybe the RIAA will shut up.

 

[apoppin]

In this way, The Offspring and Smashing Pumpkins are taking control over their music. The are appraoching this rather differently then Metallica which sues their fans (and also wants control). The difference is Offspring and SP will gain a larger and more loyal fan base. I have to say the RIAA is Master of (Metallica's) Puppet.

 

[Russ]

If this band (WTH is "Offspring&quot is violating their distribution contract with Sony, than Sony should sue them in to the Dark Ages.

If they are not in violation, and they CHOOSE to give away the product of their labor for nothing, that is their CHOICE. It is still not justification to steal the work of others who have not made this choice.

Russ, NCNE

 

[Swag1138]

apoppin: Exactly. And I think that this kind of thing is what scares the RIAA and the record companies the most. Artists in control of their own music = no RIAA = better for the musician and consumer.

Ive liked the Offspring before, now they have shot way up on my list of great bands, partly because of their attitude about it all. I will never listen to metallica on the radio, watch them on the telly, or buy any cd with their music on it again. Lars Ulrich is one of the biggest jerks on the face of the planet, and the VMAs showed that! Is it just me, or was Shawn Fanning the only high point to that whole train wreck of an awards show?...well, that and Miss Spears.

 

[apoppin]

Russ, on one hand you think Sony should sue the artists if their contract doesn't allow The Offspring to give their own music away. On the other hand, you equate Napster with stealing from the artists.

Make up your mind. Whose side are you on in this issue? It's Napster vs the RIAA (NOT the artists).

 

[Russ]

apoppin,

I equated nothing with Napster. It is simply a tool used by thieves. And, I'm sure you understand the concept of contractual obligation. If this <term loosely used> &quot;band&quot; entered in to a contract that precludes them from giving away their product, than they deserve to get their asses handed to them.

Russ, NCNE

 

[apoppin]

<< It is simply a tool used by theives. >>



That has not yet been decided in court. You tend to &quot;simplify' everything to suit your opinion.