With the coming of the new year also comes a reminder that technology is advancing at a rapid pace; if taking music for free was easy in the days of Napster and Kazaa, it can be done without a second thought now. To Grammy nominated and healthily touring artist Kaskade, however, this doesn’t seem to be too big of an issue. In an interview he talks about his personal place as an artist who’s songs are probably pirated on a daily basis:
I’m not worried about people not buying the music – I’m a touring artist. Listen, it’d be wonderful if everyone bought the music or streamed it off such services. But what’s most important is that people hear the music. Whether downloading illegally or streaming off sites that don’t pay, it doesn’t bother me – I want them to hear it first. If somebody hears a song and it motivates them to get it, I think it’s important that they turn up at the show and hear the catalogue of music that I make.
This may not be the same view of independent artists on the come up, but it may be the best way to think even if you are in that position. There are many artists who got to where they are because their music was heard by the masses and everything fell into their hands then.
Kaskade took the time to speak about the constant drug problem within our scene too:
Are we doing enough? I feel like most promoters are forthcoming and direct because there have been so many problems in the past. You put [disclaimers] on cigarettes and alcohol, but they’re still on there. At one point, it becomes redundant. People in the community are finally beginning to speak up. I think there is a good dialogue around this issue. I don’t know what more we can do, but it’s possible to enjoy these parties sober.
2016 will be in interesting time to see what changes and discussions will come about in terms of how an artist is given what they deserve for the music they spend a lot of time and money creating.
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