Resentment and frustration with copy-protected schemes is growing, and more artists are actively working against their own labels’ copy-protection efforts, according to a Billboard report. Acts like the Dave Matthews — whom we reported in August had posted instructions at the band’s site for circumventing their own copy protection — have been joined by Foo Fighters, Switchfoot, Jermaine Dupri, and others in helping fans work around copy protection.
Billboard also reported that fans are increasingly complaining to labels, especially Windows-using fans who can’t move their legally bought music from the CD to their iPod. The music trade noted bands whose labels have saddled their CDs with copy protection are finding their forums and message boards filled with complaints from fans who hadn’t realized they were buying crippled music discs.
This, in turn, is coming to the attention of music managers — perhaps even some of those same UK music managers who are wanting higher iTunes royalties — and their acts.
"We were horrified when we first heard about the new copy-protection policy," guitarist Tim Foreman of Switchfoot wrote in a post at the band’s Web site, a post that was later removed. "It is heartbreaking to see our blood, sweat and tears over the past two years blurred by the confusion and frustration surrounding new technology."
Jason Brown, president of Philadelphonic, a management company that represents Tristan Prettyman, told Billboard the situation frustrates him. Tristan Prettyman’s most recent release, Twentythree, was saddled with copy control by the band’s label, EMI.
"Copy control as it stands right now is in its 1.0 phase," he said. "It was rushed through and into a system that wasn’t prepared for it."
There is additional information in the full article.