Free Music

From LoveToKnow Music

Free music, like free software, is all about music unhindered by the limitations copyright laws and corporate middlemen. It is unrestricted and can be created, copied, distributed and remixed by anyone. The term does not necessarily mean the music is free of charge. The free stands for freedom, and the music community believes that's just what music should be.

Free Music - The Idea

Let's say a band forms and releases ten songs. These songs could appear on websites as free downloads or they could appear on CDs as an album and sold at any price. Regardless of how listeners get the music, they are free to copy the songs and share with friends or even make their own versions of the music and release on their own free music album.

Public domain music can also be used in movies, television shows and other mediums without paying royalties.

Is Free Music Legal?

Yes! Any musician who releases his or her work under the free music license is giving their creation the freedom to grow. These songs do not fall under the usual jurisdiction of commercial music and are free to be copied, improvised upon, traded and remixed.

Why?

The free music movement began in a response to the heavy corporatization of the music industry. As bands become more successful and gain a wider, they sell more albums. Then, as the usual process goes, a large record company will sponsor the band and distribute their albums worldwide. This usually comes at the cost of the band losing creative control (and sometimes the rights) of their own songs and image.

With music, artists have the power to do what they please with their own creative works. In addition, other musicians are allowed to build upon the works released by other artists, promoting a community atmosphere that fosters creativity and musical artistry.

Where?

There are a number of bands, record labels and websites devoted to distributing music. Below you will find some good free music resources for information and tons of songs.