April 01, 2010

A compelling collection of recently-launched web films from musicians and filmmakers in the U.S. and abroad share one common and important theme:  music has value.  Why now, why go legit?  Just look to the names of two campaigns for perspective: because “Music Matters” and “Stealing Music Sucks.”  

Music Matters (whymusicmatters.org) new music education campaign was introduced last week in England with noteworthy support from artists, legal services and other music community members.  The group introduced a series of short, creative videos on the work and lives of musicians past and present, all ending in the message:  “and that’s why music matters....”  What stood out about these films, and the stories they tell, was that we didn’t have to be familiar with each musician or band’s story to come to the agreeing conclusion that music, of course,  does matter.  Here are just a few:

Music Matters - Blind Willie Johnson (23-3-10) from Music Matters on Vimeo.

Music Matters - Sigur Ros (22-3-10) from Music Matters on Vimeo.

Music Matters - Louis Armstrong (23-3-10) from Music Matters on Vimeo.

Additionally, last fall the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) launched a Stealing Music Sucks campaign to encourage fans to think twice about where they get their music. As part of the project A2IM created two different but equally entertaining and influential short video PSAs.  We’ve posted them below.  If you like them and want to learn more about the campaign and musicians involved, visit a2im.org.

Enjoy!