“Making an album is a team effort, so when somebody pirates a record that not only affects the artist, but also the people who worked on it like co-producers, co-writers and musicians.” Shakira
“You might as well walk into a record store, put the CD's in your pocket and walk out without paying for them.” Mark Knopfler
“If you create something and then someone takes it without your permission, that is stealing. It may sound harsh, but it is true.” Mary J. Blige
What the Artists and
Songwriters Have to Say
Artists and songwriters of every style and genre are speaking out against illegal music downloading. Here’s what some of them have to say.
The player will show in this paragraph
Stealing Sucks PSA: Car Wash. Directed by Michael Medico. Produced by Hiko Mitsuzuka. Starring Wes Whitworth...Support your favorite musicians and their music by buying the tunes you want. www.a2im.org.
The player will show in this paragraph
Stealing Sucks PSA (feat. His Orchestra). Directed by Michael Medico, produced by Hiko Mitsuzuka and starring the members of the band His Orchestra, this is the second PSA for the American Association of Independent Music (www.a2im.org). Shot in Burbank in May 2009.
The player will show in this paragraph
Kid Rock 'Steal Everything' PSA. Kid Rock talks about downloading music.
Artist Quotes:
"It may seem innocent enough, but every time you illegally download music a songwriter doesn’t get paid. And, every time you swap that music with your friends a new artist doesn’t get a chance. Respect the artists you love by not stealing their music. You’re in control. Support music, don’t steal it." Dixie Chicks
"Everyone who loves music should be able to enjoy the wonderful recordings that are created. But it's no secret that it takes hard work, expense and many people to make great recordings. Artists and composers –particularly the younger ones - will not stand a chance of creating music in the future if their recordings are simply stolen in this way." Luciano Pavarotti
"Getting music the right way means there will be continued investment in new music, new artists, touring, new songs and everything fans love. Be a fan. Love music. And if you love music, get the real thing." Martina McBride
"My producer, my co-writers, my musicians have a big part in my albums. When you download music illegally, those folks don’t get paid." Brad Paisley
"Record companies, publishers, radio stations, retailers, artists and others in our industry must take a very strong position against the stealing of our writing and music or else those writings and music will become as cheap as the garbage in the streets." Stevie Wonder
"Hip Hop has always been about the attainable dream – about running your own business, your own club, your own fanzine. Turning your back on the bootleggers helps us pave the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs. We do our best to bring you the latest, hottest beats, and we appreciate it when our fans show their love and respect by going in that record store and buying the finished product." Missy Elliott
"As an artist who has dedicated his life to music and the music business, I have seen what illegal music copying has done and continues to do to new and established musicians. I understand why people download music, but for me and my fellow artists, this is our livelihood. When you make an illegal copy, you're stealing from the artist. It’s that simple. Every single day we're out here pouring our hearts and souls into making music for everyone to enjoy. What if you didn’t get paid for your job? Put yourself in our shoes!" Sean (P. Diddy) Combs
"Making an album is a team effort, so when somebody pirates a record that not only affects the artist, but also the people who worked on it like co-producers, co-writers and musicians.” Shakira
"You might as well walk into a record store, put the CD's in your pocket and walk out without paying for them." Mark Knopfler
"If you create something and then someone takes it without your permission, that is stealing. It may sound harsh, but it is true." Mary J. Blige
Version 2.1.4.1
- Legal Sites
- Where to get music online ... without breaking the law.
- Who Really Cares?
- We do and so should you. Who we are and what we believe.
- What Others Have to Say
- The whole issue of illegal copying has been getting a lot of attention. Check out what’s been written.