Charlie Benante's Battle Against Music Streaming's Downfall
How the Music Industry Has Changed
When asked about the transformation of the music industry since Anthrax began releasing music, Benante was clear. He emphasized that there is no longer a proper music industry. People are still listening to music, but the way it is consumed has drastically changed. It's a different era now, and the industry has suffered greatly.
A strange aspect he pointed out is that while there have been some positive changes in people's eating habits, the music industry was hit the hardest and no one took action. There was no protection or support. This might be one of the reasons why artists like him don't release records as frequently. He doesn't want to give away his art for free.
The Importance of Music and Intellectual Property
Benante takes music very seriously. What he creates and writes is deeply personal. He believes it is wrong for others to take his music without permission. It's as if he pays Amazon $12.99 a month and can access any music he wants. This, he argues, is essentially stealing from the artists and those who run music streaming sites like Spotify.
He doesn't subscribe to Spotify and views it as a place where music meets its demise. While his music is on the platform because they have to play along with the system, he is tired of this game. He values his art and wants to be properly compensated for it.
Spotify Hate and the Case of Metallica vs. Napster
Spotify hate is not a new phenomenon. Musicians like Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows, Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, and Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson have also been vocal against the company. Benante took the stance that Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich was right in suing Napster in 2000 over pirated music.
He explained that by protecting their art and intellectual property, they ensure that their hard work is not taken advantage of. Artists make the art, but they don't get the proper rewards. People often don't understand this until they experience the life and work of artists like them. It's about standing up for what is right and protecting the value of their creations.
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