Rebel Against the System

Rock band shows fans how to crack DRM

'Heavy hearted' musician publishes digital rights management workaround

Ken Young, vnunet.com 19 Sep 2005

A rock musician has expressed anger at digital rights management (DRM) technology after hearing complaints from fans who are having difficulty importing his group's songs to programs like iTunes.

My reaction: Cool!

Speaking on a music forum, Tim Foreman, bassist with San Diego rock band Switchfoot, wrote: "My heart is heavy with this whole copy-protection thing.

"We were horrified when we first heard about the new copy-protection policy that is being implemented by most major labels, including Sony (our own label), and immediately looked into all our options for removing this from our new album.

"Unfortunately, this is the new policy for all new major releases from these record companies. It is heartbreaking to see our blood, sweat and tears over the past two years blurred by the confusion and frustration surrounding this new technology.

My reaction: Where did my socks go? (as in did I just read that Switchfoot would prefer no
DRM because that would totally blow my socks off)

As far as DRMed CD's go, if you don't like 'em boycot and don't buy 'em. The old boycot will get Sony right where it hurts... the pocketbook. Just go buy Switchfoot's new album, Nothing is Sound, on iTunes just to rub it in Sony's nose too! ;)