As musicians, we know that the internet is awesome. And challenging. And hilarious. And sometimes even infuriating. We also know that, despite its complexities, the internet remains a profoundly powerful way to connect with fans and pursue our creative ambitions.

Imagine what it would be like if just a couple of companies where able to determine how, where and under what conditions you reached audiences. Imagine having to ask permission to sell merch, route a tour or even access the online tools you need to make an impact as an artist.

Clearly, some folks think The Internet Must Go.

But not musicians like us. That’s why thousands of artists and independent labels have demonstrated support for a level online playing field where creative expression and entrepreneurism is available to everyone—not just the biggest companies. 

Unfortunately, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) aren’t gonna settle for just anybody expressing themselves and making money on their “pipes.” Oh, no. They definitely think The Internet Must Go.

Think we’re joking? Sadly, no. But the short mockumentary The Internet Must Go—which was just LEAKED TODAY!!!—is really funny, anyway.

The Internet Must Go concerns misguided market researcher John Wooley, who is hired to help the big ISPs sell their vision for a “faster, cleaner” Internet—where the ISPs pick winners and losers online. After a surprising series of hilarious encounters with some of the Internet’s smartest people as well as with regular folks unable to get online at all, John Wooley is ultimately forced to re-evaluate his mission.

The film stars “The Daily Show” regular John Hodgman and features policymakers like Senator Al Franken (D-MN) and innovators like Eli Pariser of Upworthy. The soundtrack is amazing, with music from R.E.M., Death Cab for Cutie, Bon Iver, Spoon, OK Go, Sigur Ros, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, Laura Veirs, Moby and more.

The timing is also pretty interesting. Right now, Verizon is suing the Federal Communications Commission to have the current rules protecting the open Internet thrown out entirely. Oral arguments are being heard in the US Court of Appeals in Washington DC on September 9th, 2013. (Hey, that’s ALSO today!)

It’s time for musicians and fans to use this thing called the Internet to tell the world that the Internet isn’t going anywhere.

Here’s what YOU can do: