Blog
Sep 1, 2010
Rock the Net
Network neutrality — or Net Neutrality — is the principle that preserves a free and open Internet. Net neutrality ensures that all users can access the content, or run the applications and devices of their choice. Rock the Net is a nationwide coalition of musicians and labels that support net neutrality.
FMC began this campaign in 2007 to demonstrate the music community’s broad support for this principle. As musicians and entrepreneurs, we understand the importance of treating all websites equally — from the busiest online music store to the smallest blog.
Future of Music Coalition has assembled the views and perspectives of musicians who understand the importance of preserving the open internet. “Rock the Net: Artist Voices” is a colorful document featuring such artists as R.E.M., OK Go, Kronos Quartet, stic.man of Dead Prez, Franz Nicolay and more, in their own words. Download the PDF here.
FMC and Net Neutrality: A Brief History
Future of Music Coalition has long advocated for policies that help artists reach potential audiences without the bottlenecks and gatekeepers so common to the original music industry. Our support of Net Neutrality reflects an ongoing commitment to a legitimate digital music marketplace where artists have access and fans can find the music they want.
Imagine logging on to your favorite band’s website, only to have it take forever to load on your computer because they couldn’t afford (or didn’t want) to pay a toll to powerful Internet Service Providers. All artists deserve the right to use the internet to cultivate listeners, and fans deserve to make their own choices of how and where to access legitimate content. That’s why net neutrality must be preserved.
In October 2007, FMC launched the Rock the Net Campaign with founding artists R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Kronos Quartet, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Boots Riley, OK Go and more.
Rock the Net quickly picked up steam, garnering thousands of musician and indie label supporters. The campaign has also been instrumental in demonstrating to policymakers the importance of preserving open internet structures, with bands such as OK Go visiting Capitol Hill to testify before key decisionmakers about how net neutrality benefits artists like themselves.
Rock the Net Founding Supporters
R.E.M. • Pearl Jam • Ted Leo • Boots Riley • Death Cab for Cutie • OK Go • Bob Mould • Calexico • Kathleen Hanna • The Donnas • Jerry Harrison • John Doe • Les Claypool • Kronos Quartet • Jimmy Tamborello • Street to Nowhere • The Locust • Rogue Wave • Guster • State Radio • Matt Wertz • Griffin House • Matt Nathanson • The Wrens
Rock the Net Grows
In the months following the campaign's launch, FMC co-sponsored Rock the Net concerts across the country, with artists including Matt Nathanson, OK GO, Ted Leo and more playing shows and joining teleconferences in support of net neutrality.
In July 2008, FMC's Rock the Net: Musicians for Net Neutrality CD was released on Thirsty Ear Recordings. The compilation features Bright Eyes, Wilco, Aimee Mann, Guster, They Might Be Giants, The Wrens and more. Each of the disc's 15 artists share the belief that net neutrality is key to creativity and commerce online. Rock the Net: Musicians for Net Neutrality is available at quality record stores and online retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, the Amazon MP3 store and eMusic.
The RTN CD helped raise awareness about net neutrality among musicians and fans alike. Rolling Stone called it "the sexiest benefit record in some time," and the album was written about in publications ranging from technology websites to alternative newsweeklies.
A series of events called web.illish.us took place at the Silk City nightclub in Philadelphia from November 2008 to February 2009. With its inspiring mix of live music and guest speakers, web.illish.us proved that Net Neutrality isn't just a lofty policy goal — it's a powerful grass-roots movement.
The Future of Net Neutrality
With the new Administration and FCC leadership having attested to the importance of net neutrality, it looks good for those who would protect the open internet from the control of just a handful of powerful ISPs. Yet, as important as net neutrality is, it’s also crucial that quality and affordable broadband be made available to American communities large and small. As music continues to shift away from a physical product, digital technologies have become the new standard for the distribution, access and promotion of music. Moreover, the future of music may be more about on-demand access than the ownership of audio files, making digital connectivity that much more important to a functional music ecosystem.
Currently, many people don’t have access to broadband internet. Without this important utility at the fingertips of users, artists’ ability to connect with fans could be greatly undermined. Yet as we work to make this technology available, we must ensure that the internet continues to provide a platform for innovation and participation.
FMC stands by our commitment to a legitimate digital music marketplace that rewards both artists and fans. And you can be sure that wherever important debates about our networked future take place, we’ll be there advocating for musicians of every variety.
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