Earlier this year, electronic artist Rusko blew a gasket when Mad Decent released a full stream of Songs before its intended due date, fearing the marketing plan would tank the album and make its way to sites like YouTube. At the time, he threatened to start delivering his music directly through the torrents, and it now turns out he will indeed drop music here on out for free, or at least that's what he claims.
Rusko recently sent a statement to Mixmag, who oddly enough hosted that initial stream of Songs, to say that starting with his upcoming EP KAPOW, all of his music will be available pro bono. KAPOW, for the record, drops November 4.
"The natural thing for me to do is release KAPOW myself. How I want. The way I want and at the speed I want," he said. "It's about promotion and not profit — I want to give the fans the music in real time. If they can help me promote it too then it's essentially what a label does anyway but just without copyright restrictions. The fans are key in the success of KAPOW. If you like it, send it to a friend. I just want everyone to be able have my music if they want it."
A spokesperson for Rusko added that the DJ's contract with Mad Decent has since expired, making the move towards issuing online freebies a lot simpler.
"He finished his deal [with Mad Decent] and rather than renew it, or find another label, he's decided to self-release for free to fans with the aim of getting his music out their widely to the max amount of people in the easiest way possible."
Thanks to FACT for the tip.
Rusko recently sent a statement to Mixmag, who oddly enough hosted that initial stream of Songs, to say that starting with his upcoming EP KAPOW, all of his music will be available pro bono. KAPOW, for the record, drops November 4.
"The natural thing for me to do is release KAPOW myself. How I want. The way I want and at the speed I want," he said. "It's about promotion and not profit — I want to give the fans the music in real time. If they can help me promote it too then it's essentially what a label does anyway but just without copyright restrictions. The fans are key in the success of KAPOW. If you like it, send it to a friend. I just want everyone to be able have my music if they want it."
A spokesperson for Rusko added that the DJ's contract with Mad Decent has since expired, making the move towards issuing online freebies a lot simpler.
"He finished his deal [with Mad Decent] and rather than renew it, or find another label, he's decided to self-release for free to fans with the aim of getting his music out their widely to the max amount of people in the easiest way possible."
Thanks to FACT for the tip.
