In a direct attempt to combat illegal file sharing and compensate artists, Kerchoonz.com, launching next month, is the first integrated social networking and media site to legally enable streaming and download of music, videos and online games, whilst paying the featured artists and creators of music. Its founders, Indiana Gregg and Ian Morrow, themselves Glasgow-based musicians, are ardent supporters of the campaign to introduce firm legislation towards protecting copyright on the internet.
Indiana says: “Free media comes with a price tag and sites who are profiting from the use or exchange of copyright works without compensating the rights holders are simply robbing the livelihood of artists and not only that, they are destroying any chance for new artists and bands to raise funds and investments in their music and/or get record deals. Nobody will want to invest in new music in the future if security isn’t tightened on the web.”
I’m not convinced that there is really an answer to illegal downloads unless there is some sort of serious involvement from the ISPs. I think Kerchoonz is all right though and it would be good to see it work out to help the musicians make money. But, I think also that it’s going to take legislation where all sites pay something for music streaming to musicians for it to work out for the musicians. So maybe Kerchoonz will be the beginning of a movement. The web has sporn a big generation of people who want free music and think they don’t need to pay for anything. It depends if catering to that mentality is a good idea or not.
Just been and had a look around the site – Very cool and lots going on there.
More than just a free music site, they seem to have just everything covered when it comes to entertainment media and news and videos.
They have a few big names on there but are eager to promote unsigned acts and get them exposure.
Definately worth checking out.