Free Music!

Post Reply New Topic

I thought that would get your attention

But seriously, I may get an MP3 player for Christmas. Does anyone know some websites where I can download music LEGALLY for free? I have a pretty wide taste in music, so I thought there might be some less-popular tunes available for no $$.
Thanks

go on google and type in "free download(name of song/artist)"
you usually get the right song

limewire

Truthfully, Rynessa, if you want to download music, it almost always has to be either illegally downloaded (be it peer-2-peer programs like limewire, or just off the internet), or you have to pay for it, like with iTunes. Some artists are generous and have sample mp3's on their official websites, and you can always stream them online at the artists' MySpace (almost every band has one now to build up publicity and awareness), but you USUALLY can't download from there. There are often fanpages if it's a popular band (i.e. you search for "Radiohead" in MySpace music and get not only their official MySpace but also several fanpages), and these fanpages often have songs for download, but these fanpages are often illegal and downloading music from them is also regarded as such.

A lot of musicians have free downloads. Look for the artists you like and find their websites. They usually have samples, which are sometimes full tracks. Though they're usually not the most popular ones. Other musicians online (such as Jonathan Coulton) produce free music.

If you use iTunes, the music store has (or had last I looked) periodic free downloads, but you'll have to create an account. Again, these won't likely be popular songs, but you might find something you like.

And I'm sure there are plenty of other sources.

Go check out remix.kwed.org: Here you'll find more than 2000 MP3's, with the common denominator that they're all remakes and "remixes" of themes from old computer games written for the good ol' Commodore 64 home computer, all for free download -- the only limitation is that you can only download 50 files per hour.

These aren't "bleepety-bleep"-type "chiptunes"; they're made using far more extensive synth gear than the original sound chip in the 64. You'll find just about any genre there; rock'n'roll, "chill-out"-type electronica, techno, even full-blown symphonic orchestra pieces. During the latest ~5 years I've gathered a collection of almost 400 favourite tunes from this place.

And to anyone who "grew up with the C-64": Go look up the tune from your old favourite games, and you'll hear those tunes like the SID sound chip could only dream about playing them!

Searchhacker.com

If you do buy it from the internet you'll probably have to deal with idiotic restrictions (iTunes will restrict you to copying the file three times, if you don't copy it within three days your chance to copy it is gone, also you can only copy those songs you downloaded to iPods.), not to mention that none of the money will go to the artist. Why bother? Just go for Torrent if you're willing to get busted, or use some File Sharing program like Soulseek (Which is much better than Limewire or even Frostwire). Also make sure they're mp3 files as they work with pretty much any mp3 player and only do this if you have good Antivirus software like AVG and a Firewall like Zone Alarm or PC Tools Firewall Plus.

For Australian music try the Triple J Unearthed site. I'm sure other countries have similar sites.

Oh and also, you can go to an Article on Wikipedia to find out which File Sharing program is right for you. There's also the site called Major Geeks which can help you get programs which will protect and keep your Computer clean.

this place has a few decent bits - http://www.RCRDLBL.com
I use soulseek for most stuff though, (buy a lot of vinyl too to ease conscience)