Truthfully, I wouldn’t feel very bad if I were ever to illegally download a U2 album. With the minimal funds I have for actually purchasing music, I’d much rather my money go to a band that hasn’t already sold 150 million records worldwide.

Due to all the competition in the music industry, it is becoming increasingly difficult for independent bands and artists to make a living of their art.

Between an artist and their fans, there must be an aspect of give and take. As much as fans, and even many artists themselves, wish that the music could be shared for free, the artist needs to make a living of it in order to continue producing material.

This begs the question—is it acceptable to illegally download an independent artist’s music for free? 

An avid iTunes music and physical CD purchaser myself, I have been questioning my morals on the issue recently as my list of musical wants grows and my funds for such frivolities diminish.

Although it is incredibly convenient for one to have any music they desire available at their fingertips at anytime, pirating music without a second thought could cause more harm than one realizes.

One must take a moment to consider who it is they are reserving their dollars from when they don’t pay. How popular is the band or artist? How long have they been around? Are they on a major or independent record label? For instance, one of my personal beliefs is that it is very necessary to support emerging artists and not cheat them of their sales.

Some may argue the neutral point that pirating music doesn’t directly harm a band per se, it just doesn’t benefit them. That is entirely false, because if everyone in the world shared that viewpoint, there would be no economy in the music industry and it would fall through completely.

I have often supported my favorite smaller artists by purchasing tickets to their concerts when they come to town and grabbing some merchandise while I’m at it. But when it  comes to collecting their music, I have to think a minute on my own advice.

I then begin to prioritize by deciding who is in the most dire need of my limited wealth and make my purchases accordingly.

Though of course if I still wanted music from a big name band like U2, I would not hesitate to torrent a copy of their album because next to no one would feel the negative consequence of my actions.

Downloading music illegally is a personal choice, but before one hits download, they should think about who their decision will be affecting.

Without the generosity and appreciation of true fans, artists would not be able to thrive. And what is a world without music?