How Free Music Spreads - and Why?

By: Keith Murphy & B.W.
VIBE MAGAZINE (June/July 2009; pg. 44)


How It Should Work

Step 1 - Artist creates track in studio.

Step 2 - Track goes to engineer for mastering.

Step 3 - Track is approved by artist/producer to be sent to record label.

Step 4 - Producer/artist/manager e-mails track.

Step 5 - Record company sends approved album to printing plant to create CD's.

Final Destination - your hard drive


How It "Leaks"

The Artist Leaks record seeking positive feedback.

The Engineer Leaks record.

Hackers access e-mail account, steal song & leak it.

The Label Leaks to build buzz for artist's upcoming project.

The Plant Employee steals copy, leaks it.


Last Words on the Leak (Play of Production Duo Play-N-Skillz) -

"I want to blame the artists and the producers for the leaks because we are not giving enough music to the fans. This is 2009. You have to go at the pace of Lil Wayne, Kanye and T-Pain. These are the guys that are winning. You can't really be mad at the rap blogs - all they care about is the actual music. Just be careful who you have in the studio."