Free Music: The Rise and Fall of Digital Piracy

Did you know we used to get music for free? Entire albums could be downloaded and played on iPods without paying a dime. Imagine the frustration when Apple restricted iPods to music from authorized streaming services, causing many to lose more than half their libraries overnight.

We often don't appreciate access until it's taken away, as seen when a federal court shut down Napster in 2001 for copyright infringement. Today, access issues are in the spotlight again with the Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, following the 2022 Taylor Swift ticket fiasco.

These issues are explored in "How Music Got Free," a new docuseries by Alex Stapleton. Inspired by Stephen Witt’s 2015 article "The Man Who Broke the Music Business," the series delves into music piracy's rise and fall, highlighting the largely anonymous Black figure behind it.

Featuring interviews with experts, artists, record executives, and journalists, the series contextualizes the complex issue of music access. Stapleton discusses how the industry's bureaucratic nature hinders both consumers and creators, noting that live performance revenue drives ticket prices sky-high today.

In the late '90s and early '00s, piracy emerged as a solution for fans seeking free or cheaper music, posing a challenge for artists and labels. CDs, costing around $17 for consumers but only $1 to manufacture, became obsolete as digital singles rose in popularity.

Stapleton argues that the industry's resistance to change, especially regarding piracy, has been detrimental. Piracy was widespread; Stapleton herself shared music extensively during her time in New York City in the '90s.

Her connection to hip-hop drew her to this project. She tells the story of Bennie Lydell Glover, a Black CD plant employee from North Carolina who smuggled music to an online network of pirates. Glover faced harsh consequences, including three months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit copyright infringement.

Glover’s innovation contrasts sharply with the recognition given to white tech leaders like Steve Jobs. While Jobs is celebrated, the significant role piracy played in the success of technologies like the iPod is often overlooked. Stapleton points out that many who enabled the digital music revolution faced legal repercussions.

Though Stapleton wished for more time to explore additional themes, "How Music Got Free" implicitly examines the role of race and racism in the music industry, offering a thought-provoking perspective on access and innovation.