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July 29, 2010: Many artists and music fans alike mistakenly consider piracy and unauthorized copying of music to be the same thing; however, there are major differences. Unauthorized copying is making duplicates of music, most of the time for personal convenience. Some examples include burning CDs, importing music from a friend’s Itunes onto your iPod, or sharing music through Limewire. Artists must be aware that copying is prevalent and that it can be performed both legally and illegally. From the artist’s perspective, preventing, controlling or stopping unauthorized copying of your music is next to impossible. It might be a better strategy to plan on your music being copied and try to maximize the positive effects that copying can have on your success. More copies of your music (even if you are not being paid for them) can mean more fans, more plays and more buzz for your band.

Piracy, on the other hand, is participating in mass replications of music and selling those copies for personal income, which is always illegal (unlike some forms of legal copying). Pirates generally replicate the most popular songs and big hits because that is how they can make the most money. Pirating is stealing because it is taking away income from the artist and producer. Some forms of pirating are burning other artists’ CDs or recording live performances to sell to make your own money. Piracy will only be a problem if your music becomes very successful, but it is important to have a strategy in place in case it does.

There are many ways to protect against piracy. You could use Digital Rights Management (DRM), which can provide restrictions that will not allow people to burn your CDs. Many companies, such as Blockbuster, for instance, use DRMs for their DVDs to prevent people from copying their movies. Without DRMs people could be tempted to burn rented/borrowed DVDs or music and distribute it to their friends for free.

On the bright side, pirating and unauthorized copying can enhance an artist’s success because when people share your music, they are, in a way, recommending your music to other people. A recent study also shows that the people that do the most unauthorized copying also spend the most money on music, merchandise and products. Getting your music into the hands of these interested fans, even if they don’t pay for it, can lead to other income in the future. Previously, many musicians were faced with the problem of getting their music out there, but with copying, their music can be effectively distributed. Imagine a tradeoff between distribution and the amount of money you make from each piece of music. Controlling this tradeoff can be difficult in the beginning, so spend your time making quality music because quality content will earn you fans, exposure and opportunities. One way or another, your expanding fan base (maybe even through unauthorized copying) will find a way to support you and your music.

Greg Gerla
greg@audimated.com
Audimated.com