Aphex Twin Supports Free Music

January 15, 2004

In case you missed the Slashdot story, Bleep, Warp Record's new music service, is DRM-free:

Bleep music has no DRM or copy protection built in. We believe that most people like to be treated as customers and not potential criminals - DRM is easily circumvented and just puts obstacles in the way of enjoying music.

Source: BLEEP FAQ

Hot on the heels of that announcement, comes this interview with Richard D. James (aka Mr Aphex Twin):

Despite the rushed release of Drukqs and the reasons behind that, he thinks "having music for free is a good thing, because I don't think music should be a commodity. I've changed my opinion to and fro over the years, but I really do think there shouldn't be any copyright on art.

"But the thing is, some kid somewhere might be really poor and think, 'If I make the best music in the world, I can get some money and buy a house and some equipment', which is what I thought. So that is a good motivation, as well. You would lose that."

Source: "Synths, drukqs and rock'n'roll", Sydney Morning Herald (linked from BB)

Alright!