Hello, i've been a Drowned In Sound visitor for some years now but only just bothered to create a message board account due to my insane laziness. The main point of this thread really was just to get some feedback from people as to what they think about the whole 'new bands' giving music away free debate. Being in a band myself, i'm currently trying to work out whats the best way to launch our debut ep in the current climate. Previously we did a free download single and it got a really positive response..however..I don't really know how i feel about giving a whole ep away free - lots of issues with it really - mostly though cause it worries me that it actually devalues music in the first place - maybe gives out the wrong message?

I'm pretty old skool with music, like to own the artwork and what not..so i realise i'm pretty behind the times when it comes to such matters hence my thread to see what people think really...i know that it seems like the majority of people prefer to download these days..do people really pay for downloads of bands that are only just starting out..is it more important to just get the music heard in the first place..I guess i can sort of see both sides of the coin - which really doesn't help with the whole decision making process! Anyway - i know theres a lot of bands i really respect on this forum so was just wanting to hear of their experience and what they sorta think about the whole situation.