There is no doubt that the 'free music' mentality is adversely affecting artists and industry alike by devaluing an important component of culture and commerce. The fact is that the music business needs constant investment in order to bring new artists to the public and develop artist careers over the long term. There is also no doubt that downloading and CD-R burning are cutting into sales - the major means by which the majority of artists make a living from music. Live touring has always been a source of income, but it cannot fund an entire career, the expenses of going on the road mean that profits, while healthy in some cases, are in the majority of cases offset by the costs. Even when a new artist is discovered over the internet, unless enough people buy their records, either via a legitimate site or in a physical format, they won't be able to make a living.

Some artists of course do become big stars and with it they gain high financial rewards, but for the industry that has invested in them, those profits are ploughed back into funding new artists.

Consumers have to know that if they want a wide choice and variety of music, that if they want their favourite artists to succeed, they must support them by buying their music.

If you love music, help it survive by paying for it...