Wale: I Just Want To Make Music & Give It To Fans For Free... They'll Support Me

from the new-way dept

This is from a few weeks back, but I'm catching up on some older posts. We've been talking lately about how fans will support artists they like, and focusing on connecting with those fans by being open, human and awesome is a better strategy than freaking out about piracy.

There are lots of artists who recognize this basic formula. For example, hip hop star Wale was recently asked about things like SOPA, and he explained that he doesn't get too involved in those things, but he just wants to make music and give it to his fans for free, knowing that they'll support him when it comes time to buy:

I just know that I want to continue to make music and give it to the people for free and then if it’s good enough when it’s time for it to be sold they’ll go out and support it. I’m a fan of the mode that it is now...

Of course, he's signed to Universal Music, which kinda limits his ability to give out his music for free. They don't like that kind of thing. But it again raises questions about the claims of labels that they represent the best interests of artists. It seems like some artists have a better handle on what's best for themselves...

Filed Under: culture, free, music, support, wale

Jay-Z's Favorite New Rapper: Free Music Is The Future

from the more-artists-getting-it dept

Haggis points us to an article about a guy who's been called "Jay-Z's favorite new rapper," who seems to be working with all the big names in the music business these days. But, Olubowale Victor Folarin, who goes by the name Wale (pronounced wah-lay) understands the importance of "free" within a business model. After all... it's how he got discovered:

Initially, he gained attention by making mix tapes available for free on the internet. Immediately they caught the eye and ear of musical magpie and producer Mark Ronson.

But, wait... wasn't the RIAA telling us that mixtape makers were criminals who needed to be thrown in jail while having their homes raided by SWAT teams? Looks like Wale understands the lessons of free music:

"Free music is the way for the future. To get your music off the ground you've got to give it away for free at first."

And apparently it's the way of big popular bands as well. So, who is free music bad for again? Oh, right. The folks who bet their entire business on selling plastic discs and refused to embrace what technology allows.

Filed Under: business models, free music, jzy-z, mix tapes, wale