Anthrax and Pantera drummer Charlie Benante has spoken out about the financial challenges facing artists in today's Music industry, harshly criticizing streaming services like Spotify and praising Metallica's fight against Napster in the 2000s.
An industry in crisis
In a recent interview with The Irish TimesCharlie Benante has shared his frustration with the state of the music industry. According to him: “There isn’t really a music industry anymore. There are people who listen to music, but not in the same way as before. Spotify is where music dies. We’re here because we have to play the game, but I’m tired of playing the game.”
He added: “Artists are the most exploited in any industry. We have no health coverage, nothing. They screwed us over so bad I don't know how we're going to get through this. Selling lemonade on the street corner would probably bring in more money.”
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Support for Metallica against Napster
Looking back on Metallica's legal battle with Napster in 2000, Benante applauded the band for taking a stand: “They were absolutely right. They protected their art, their intellectual property, to prevent assholes from coming and stealing it. The people who criticized them didn't understand. Until you experience what we experience, you cannot judge.”
Metallica faced a wave of criticism at the time, with some calling them “selfish rich”. However, Benante stressed that their fight was to preserve the rights of artists in a changing industry.
Anthrax et l’adaptation au streaming
Although Benante remains skeptical of streaming services, his colleague Scott Ian has taken a more pragmatic approach. In 2018, Ian said: “Spotify has worked well for Anthrax over the past few years. Fans discover our music on Spotify and then come and buy tickets for our concerts. Once they see us live, they become fans for life.”
However, Ian also recognized the financial limitations of streaming, stating: “It doesn't make up for the loss of album sales, but it's the future. If you don’t adapt, you don’t survive.”
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