FREELOADING: A Book on the Chaos of Music Piracy and the Steamrolling of Artists’ Rights

“A wonderful book that catches an encouraging shift in the zeitgeist. Ruen’s epiphany regarding the effects of his own piracy and freeloading on the bands he loves was eye opening–for me, at least. Although he mainly deals with music, the arguments he presents will apply to print and other media equally. I’ve recommended this book to a number of friends, some of whom may have felt this discussion was over…it’s not. After a couple of decades of waffling, it’s really just begun.”

David Byrne

“The original slacker’s dream of free everything may have been realized by the Internet—but along with it came the slacker’s nightmare of never getting paid for one’s creativity. Freeloading seeks—and to a large extent succeeds—to wrestle with the collapse of the commons and the possibilities for a renewed social contract.”

Douglas Rushkoff

“Too often, arguments about copyright online come down to talking points: Theft, Internet freedom, or rhetoric about major label evils. With a critic’s eye and a music fan’s passion, Ruen shows how piracy affects artists and lays bare the corporate agendas on both sides of the debate. An essential read for anyone worried about how artists will survive in the online age.”

Robert Levine

“One of the best books on the subject.” Salon

“A deeply moral and passionate book.” Sydney Sunday Herald

“Fascinating.” The Village Voice

“Taking a rare and refreshingly unbiased look at the phenomenon of internet piracy, [Freeloading] is that rarest of discursive entities; a call for more conversation, both balanced and passionate.” InPress Magazine, Australia

“Highly recommended.” Copyhype

“Chris Ruen is one of the most compelling and forward thinking critics of our current download culture.” M3 Music Conference

Since its original publication, FREELOADING has helped fans, journalists and artists around the world to understand the messy cultural history of music piracy amidst the ongoing tension between digital disruption and ensuring the rights of artists.

Features candid musician interviews with central players in the 2000s Brooklyn music scene (feat. members of TV On The Radio, The Hold Steady, Yeasayer and others), critiques of "freeloaders," a close look at the disastrous SOPA blackout protests, visions of how copyright could be reformed in good faith, and more.