THE SILENT THEFT: ROBBING ARTISTS OF THEIR WORTH

It Is the saddest story... 

of what has become of music... since the advancement of technology and a shift in consumer society, music has become a commodity. What exactly is a commodity you may ask? 

- A commodity is an item of no great value: junk. scraps. clutter. scrap... Now we must add music to that list. 

- Commodities are basic goods and materials that are widely used and are not meaningfully differentiated from one another

Music has always been a cornerstone of society and it has become our job [the musicians who make it] to figure out how to convince people that it's worthy of their money. 

it is not too late to reclaim such an elaborate art form that literally every human connect with. I'm, afraid perhaps it has gone too far - but in my heart I believe we can restore justice to the world of music. It matters too much to too many people. How might we do this, exactly? This is what I am striving to find out through the course or writing this book. The initially broad ideas I'm presenting here may be difficult for a non-writer like myself to articulate. I will try my best.

If we can begin by delving into the stories of artists who have been victimized by this silent theft, we will uncover the intricate web of forces that have developed this non-paying idealogy. Perhaps more of the general public needs to better understand the predatory contracts, unfair compensation models, and exploitative practices that trap artists in a cycle of financial insecurity. This has been going on for decades -  there's really nothing new here.

It began with Napster. Which people were so upset about I can still remember it to this day. It was illegal, as it was considered robbing of musicans. 

And now, 10-20 years later i can name a hundred companies like Napster, all legal, and nobody bats an eye. What happened over that time period that shifted the morality of a whole society?

I only ask that you continue to keep an open mind and be prepared to be confronted with the stark realities faced by musicians today.

Considering all the things an artist must go through, all the sacrifices they make in order just to be heard, it's truly eye-opening and astonishing in every way that nobody can compensate them for their work, their time, and most importantly their creative output. 

Perhaps by exemplifying a few of these harrowing personal accounts, we will start to unravel the layers of this complex issue, to hopefully reach the core matter of this 'commodification pandemic'

The Silent Theft: How Music Commodification Robs Artists of Their Worth

In the quiet corridors of the music industry, an insidious crime against creativity unfolds daily, unseen and unchecked. It is a crime that strips artists of their worth, diminishes their artistry to mere commercial transactions, and perpetuates a cycle of exploitation. The culprits? We, the consumers and music enthusiasts, play an unwitting role in this theft, often oblivious to the consequences of our actions.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine this scene: A bustling city street, lined with record stores that once vibrated with the pulsating rhythms of music. Now, they stand as mere relics, overshadowed by the convenience of digital streaming and the allure of discounted prices. You step into one of these dwindling establishments, lured by the nostalgia that permeates the air, and browse through shelves laden with CDs, vinyl records, and cassettes. You chance upon an album cover adorned with evocative artwork, the creation of countless hours of labor and inspiration. You run your fingers over the sleek packaging, but then, you pause. In that moment, the thief within you awakens.

You reach into your pocket, fingers grazing the very currency that could support the artist behind this masterpiece. Yet, a voice in your head whispers, "Why pay for something I can easily obtain for free?" With that fateful thought, you seal the artist's fate, relinquishing their rightful compensation for their work of art. You walk away, carrying with you the stolen treasure, unaware of the guilt silently settling upon your shoulders.

This scenario, my friend, plays out repeatedly in a world where music has been commodified, its value reduced to mere digits on streaming platforms and discounted prices in online stores. We find ourselves caught in the web of convenience, lured by the allure of free music, failing to comprehend the toll it takes on those who create the very melodies that soundtrack our lives.

But let us not turn away from the truth any longer. It is time to confront the enormity of our actions and the impact they have on artists. Each time we choose convenience over conscience, we partake in the theft of an artist's livelihood. We undermine their ability to sustain themselves, and all that they have devoted to the creation of the music that they have given their life towards and the lives of the many who love them.

Follow along as we embark on a journey of self-reflection and transformation. We will delve deep into the dark underbelly of the music industry, exposing the harsh realities faced by artists who have fallen victim to this silent theft. Through their stories, we will peel back the layers of deception, revealing the systemic exploitation, undervaluation, and dehumanization that plague the music world.

Prepare yourself for a journey that will challenge your assumptions, ignite your empathy, and spur you to action. Together, we will explore the true cost of music commodification, from the financial struggles endured by artists to the loss of creative autonomy. We will confront the disparity between the wealth generated by the industry and the meager earnings received by those who pour their hearts and souls into their craft.

But this is not a journey solely filled with despair and guilt. There is a glimmer of hope, the seeds of change that have been sown by resilient artists, passionate advocates, and conscious consumers. We will celebrate the power of music to foster connection, inspire change, and uplift humanity, through the role in which these individuals embark.

By the end of this journey, you will understand the true value of music, the vital role artists play in shaping our culture, and the steps we can take to ensure their work is recognized, respected, and appropriately co