Another question answered by Lorin for our Fan Bass Q&A archive. Douse those burning question marks hovering over your head and submit your question here. As always feel free to discuss this thread below, and ask more questions or offer further advice to your Bass Head family!

QUESTION:

What do you think about the people that leak and download your music (or any music) without paying? – anon

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This is in response to people who leak music, or people who download music without paying for it. It is also in response to people who BUY music, and to people who DO support the artists they love. And it is in response to those who argue amongst themselves and everyone in between:

In my opinion, this should be an individual decision, and each individual person is different. If you love something, you should support it because you will allow it to grow and continue. If you do not love something, simply move on and find something else that you do love, instead of hating. Life is too short and precious for anything else.

When we sent out promos of “Divergent Spectrum” we knew without a doubt it would get leaked. It is kind of an honor that enough people care, that they want to get it and share it as soon as possible. Instead of worrying about it, we just figured “Let’s let people decide what they want to do.” If they want to support me, let’s make it easy for them to do so. We created a presale option, and added a stack of exclusive Bonus Material (loops, bits, outtakes, sketches, …kind of like the “Special Features” on a DVD) as a gift to everyone who did this, knowing it was an act of love and support for them to pre-order something they could just download for free.

For me, I am so incredibly grateful for everything in my life right now, i can’t really ask for more. We have sold out nearly every single show in the past year, and the legion of bass heads is growing every day. I am honored that people want to explore my music. I am honored that they want to share it with their friends. I am not worried about being supported, because I feel so much support each day, in so many different forms.

On principle though, I do think it is important for ALL ARTISTS to make it easy for people to support what they love. And it is important for those who love the art to decide how they can support art and artists, and allow it to continue:

In 2011, art and culture exist as DIGITAL MEDIA, and it is naive to think it will not be leaked or downloaded or shared or “stolen” repeatedly. It is just a fact of life. People need to decide for themselves if they want to steal or not. And if they *DO* then they can decide if and how to follow up with support. If you download leaked music, and you enjoy it, why not go buy an official copy? It seems fair. You are not obligated to do this, it is just a choice. Do you enjoy the artist? IF YOU ENJOY, THEN SUPPORT. If not, then simply carry on. It takes a LOT of time and energy for artists to create their craft, and even more time and energy for them to prepare a release, and to distribute it. You can support what you love in many ways, and in a sense you vote with your dollar.

And if you simply choose to enjoy the music, and not pay for it, then that is your prerogative. It is difficult to truly know what is going on behind the scenes in the life of an artist, but I can tell you it is a VERY challenging and exhausting journey. Currently, I am very happy and full of inspiration, but at some point that could change, and the support I receive from others is what sustains me, and my ability to continue moving forward. It is the same with other artists today. Everyone needs support, and you should support what you love.

Again thank you for all the support you have shown me over the years, most of which has not been monetary, but amorphous and multifaceted.

Lorin