Music Monday—Sean Fournier

This is one artist I’ve been meaning to feature for a while now. I mostly like this guy (in addition to his music :P) for reflecting the changing role of music and how we use it today. Everyone has to acknowledge that the transition to digital media has taken a huge swipe at music. And despite the attempts to restrict sharing music (and regardless of ethical issues and whatnot), there really isn’t a sure way to stop it. So guess what? It’s going to keep happening.

An issue like this is one where most draw (or don’t draw) a line for themselves. For example, if you buy or download a cd, is it OK to copy those files to your computer, iPod, laptop, backup cd, etc? Is it ok to give that backup cd to a friend—who doesn’t plan on buying the material himself? Without defining where that line actually is or should be, the truth is we all know this stuff happens all the time.

Online sources like Project Playlist, IMEEM, Myspace and iLike help music seekers determine what they like and dislike before they have to commit to a purchase. Even so, most people don’t really want to buy music that they aren’t going to end up listening to, or even liking.

And getting back to Sean Fournier, like many new up and coming artists, he is giving away his music for free.

New artists really can't expect people to go out and buy the music of someone they've never heard of. But offer some free downloads, and you just might create a following that can get you someone in the music world today. More on this will come later, but for now...enjoy Sean Fournier.



If you like what you hear and want to help share his music, check out his "How To Spread it Like the Plague" page. (Check out the demonstrations...it's funny. You have to actually drag the album.) Also, check out his blog for some interesting tidbits about his music and watching it spread.