Crow, Blige, Dixie Chicks, Carlton, Others Back RIAA’s Plan To Sue File Traders
The Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA) is vowing to sue those who illegally download music, and some of the biggest names in music are supporting the idea. In a statement issued on Wednesday (June 25), RIAA President Cary Sherman warned, “This activity is illegal, you are not anonymous when you do it, and engaging in it can have real consequences.”
Sherman says the RIAA has begun gathering evidence against swappers, and expects to begin filing suits as early as mid-August.
Several big-name artists have issued statements supporting the RIAA’s harsh stance against file swapping. Grammy-winner Sheryl Crow said, “Music fans cannot expect their favorite musicians to continue to produce quality albums if they are not willing to pay. People, including musicians, expect to be rewarded for a job well done. It’s all about supply and demand. If there is not demand, there will eventually be no supply.”
Mary J. Blige said, “If you create something and then someone takes it without your permission, that is stealing. It may sound harsh, but it is true.”
According to the Dixie Chicks, “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.”
Vanessa Carlton said, “I’m all for getting a taste of something before you buy it, but when it becomes more than a taste and people begin hoarding the entire work, it becomes piracy which results in a system in which artists are not being rewarded for their works.”
Other artists siding with the RIAA include Brooks & Dunn, Mandy Moore, Shakira, Peter Gabriel, and songwriter Lamont Dozier.
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