Trent Reznor posted a link to download the new Nine Inch Nails album on the band’s Web site earlier today. The album, called “The Slip” has 10 tracks and clocks in at 43:45. I just downloaded it, so I can’t tell you how it sounds but it is a full-length, full band release.

Reznor’s post reads “thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years — this one’s on me.” Free music seems to be getting more and more common as bands are finding a way to circumvent record labels and traditional distribution.

Earlier this year Reznor released a four part instrumental set called “Ghosts I-IV,” with various payment options including one that allowed fans to download some of the tracks for free.

I like to see bands pushing the boundaries of the music industry. Record labels are in trouble if they can’t completely adapt to the Internet. Obviously this “give it away” model will only work for established bands that can afford to make music for free (Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, even Pennywise).

So where is the music industry going? Any thoughts on whether free music is the future?

This entry was posted on Monday, May 5th, 2008 at 7:22 pm and is filed under Music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.