Biting The Hand That Feeds : Arctic Monkeys

"It was file-sharing that helped them distribute their music to listeners for free but, now it seems that profits are their biggest concern". .... but who are these Artic Monkeys?

Arctic Monkeys are an English four-piece indie rock band originating from Sheffield England. Formed in 2002, Arctic Monkeys achieved chart success with their first two singles, reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart. Their debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" became the fastest-selling debut album in British music history

Arctic Monkeys achieved their success and popularity through fan-made demo tapes and online file-sharing of their songs, before they had a record deal or album. They were heralded as one of the first acts to come to public attention via the internet, with commentators suggesting they represented the possibility of a change in the way in which new bands are promoted and marketed.

CUT TO 2007 :
The first real breakthrough act of the download era, the band that used file-sharing to build their audience, has now apparently secretly employed Web Sheriff to make sure that their new album, "Favourite Worst Nightmare," stays off file-sharing networks (P2P - Person to Person file transfer). It's being reported that the band's record label, has hired Web Sheriff, the London based File-sharing network copyright monitor, to protect against the Arctic Monkey's latest album from spreading across the internet.

Now aint it ironic that they're trying to kill off the very thing which made them what they are today? File Sharing, Consumer / Fan generated interest based on free downloads of music, ending in millions of Actual Hardcopy Records / CD Albums being sold to those very fans?

I've always argued this point, and i still stick to my guns. The Internet and more importantly its functions of file transfers, file sharing, music downloads, movie downloads, etc are actually benificial to those that choose to embrace its positives. For us as consumers its a kick in the butt to those media corporations that "Sell" us the latest and greatest, forcing a purchase, without allowing us to make the decision if the product is worthy. If we can hear / see / read and sample the product, i argue we can make more informed choices on whether it deserves further purchase or dismissal as rubbish. The power is given back to us, to choose who gets our dollar for the right reasons.

Yes I download music and movies. Yes i still purchase Cds and DVDs. I Try to make informed choices on who derserves my hard earned cash. Think a little before you spend.

FULL ARTICLE : ZEROPAID







For the Record : The Artic Monkeys aren't on my album list. There's better music out there.