An Ethical Issue of Musical Piracy

Ethics Essay

Music piracy has been around for a little less than half a century, but since the rise of the Internet and boom in technology it has become a rising issue with musicians. Proponents for music piracy say that it allows artists to freely advertise and thus gain a wider range of fans. However, artists are not given any form of monetary compensation when their songs are distributed, which can lead to less motivation to record and sell their music. Ethically, music piracy may harm artists, but allows people who cannot pay for records to enjoy a wider range of music.

Proponents for piracy vouch that, in committing this act, they are increasing the exposure for new artists and, though sales of albums may decrease there would be an increase in concert revenue. In this day, advertising for newer artists is expensive and for a starting artists s/he may not have the capacity. If this is the case then there is an even lesser chance that s/he would be discovered and “make it big.” Piracy eases the burden of the cost of advertisement. In addition, for more well-known artists, piracy will make people more inclined to go to concerts because they would become bigger fans. Listening to the concert will be a far different experience than simply listening to the music through electronic devices. Piracy not only helps beginning artists but also augments money to renowned artists.

Though piracy appears to benefit all kinds of artists, opponents of piracy argue that not only are these compensations not guaranteed but also that music is often leaked. Leaking of music may allow wider advertisement, but the artists may have wanted the music to be introduced in a certain manner for symbolism or impact. Artists can work from months to years on their songs, but what would drive them to produce songs if it was only going to be pirated. The artists couldn’t promise that fans would come to concerts, this could lead artists less encouraged to produce songs and albums, which may lead to a decline in music production.

There are pros and cons to piracy; however, ethically, it is morally wrong to spread the works of others without their permission. To work hard for something, only to have it freely given away is cruel and surely the average person would never agree to such a thing if it were their work. Musicians may benefit slightly, but in the end the music industry tries to control what gets pirated and what does not. For more famous artists the disclosure of new music is strictly overseen. Piracy is ethically wrong even if there may be supposed pros.