Best Free Music Download Sites
TLDRThe video discusses the best legal sites for free music downloads. It clarifies that popular artists from major labels are unlikely to be found for free due to royalty concerns. Instead, the focus is on emerging artists and new music. The top five sites recommended are Jamendo, which features upcoming and European artists; SoundCloud, a platform similar to YouTube for music; Amazon.com, which offers a variety of free songs, including classical and emerging bands; Free Music Archive, known for live takes from well-known artists; and Facebook pages of artists, where followers can sometimes access free music downloads by liking or sharing posts. These sites provide a legal alternative for discovering new music and supporting up-and-coming musicians.
Takeaways
- 🎵 There are thousands of music download sites online, but not all are legal.
- 🚫 You won't find popular artists like Ed Sheeran or Taylor Swift on free, legal sites because they are with major labels that want to collect royalties.
- 🌟 Free legal music sites often feature upcoming and lesser-known artists looking for exposure.
- 🎶 Jamendo is a site to discover new and upcoming artists, especially from Europe.
- 🔍 SoundCloud is like YouTube for music and offers many free downloads from upcoming artists.
- 📚 Amazon.com has a selection of free songs, including classical music and tracks from new bands.
- 🎉 Free Music Archive provides live takes and sessions from well-known artists, sometimes available for free download.
- 💥 Following your favorite artists on Facebook can lead to free music downloads, often requiring a like or share to access.
- 🚀 If you're looking for unique music that your friends haven't heard, these legal sites are a great place to start.
- ❌ Be cautious, as downloading music from illegal sites can lead to copyright infringement issues.
- 🎉 These sites are a treasure trove for discovering new music and supporting up-and-coming artists.
Q & A
What are some challenges in finding free music downloads legally on the internet?
-One of the main challenges is that you're unlikely to find popular songs from major artists like Ed Sheeran or Taylor Swift for free legally, as their labels aim to collect royalties from every stream and download.
Why might artists choose to upload their music for free on sites like Jamendo?
-Artists might upload their music for free on sites like Jamendo to gain exposure and to be discovered by a wider audience.
How does SoundCloud serve as a platform for free music downloads?
-SoundCloud is like the YouTube for music, where many artists upload their songs, including upcoming artists and underground singers, often allowing free downloads for their tracks.
What kind of music can you typically find on Amazon's free music section?
-On Amazon, you're unlikely to find music from major label artists, but you can discover a lot of classical music and songs from upcoming bands who list their music for free download.
How does the Free Music Archive differ from other free music download sites?
-Free Music Archive is unique in that it offers a lot of live takes of music, including sessions from well-known artists, which are often available as free downloads.
What is the benefit of following artists' Facebook pages for music downloads?
-Artists often post links to free music downloads, including remixes or live takes, on their Facebook pages. Sometimes, you may need to like or share the post to access the free download.
Why might someone want to download music from upcoming or lesser-known artists?
-Downloading music from upcoming or lesser-known artists can be a way to discover new music that friends and others may not have heard yet, offering a unique and fresh listening experience.
What are the potential legal issues with downloading music from sites that are not authorized by major labels?
-Downloading music from unauthorized sites can lead to copyright infringement issues, as artists and labels have the right to control the distribution of their music and collect royalties.
How can one ensure they are downloading music legally from the internet?
-One can ensure legal downloads by using sites that are explicitly mentioned as legal in the transcript, such as Jamendo, SoundCloud, Amazon, Free Music Archive, and official artist Facebook pages.
What is the typical process for obtaining a free music download from an artist's Facebook page?
-The typical process involves following the artist's page, finding the post with the free music download offer, and then liking or sharing the post as required to gain access to the download link.
Why might a site like Jamendo be particularly appealing to European artists?
-Jamendo might be appealing to European artists because it offers a platform for exposure where they can share their music with a global audience, which could be particularly beneficial for artists who are just starting out.
What are some of the drawbacks of trying to find free music downloads from major label artists?
-The main drawback is that it's unlikely to be legal, as major labels are protective of their rights and royalties. Additionally, even if found, the quality and legitimacy of the source may be questionable.
Outlines
🎵 Legal Music Download Sites Overview
The paragraph discusses the availability of legal and illegal sites for downloading music online, emphasizing the difficulty of finding popular songs from major label artists for free due to royalty rights. It introduces five recommended legal sites for free music downloads, which focus on promoting upcoming artists rather than mainstream hits. The speaker also shares an anecdote about receiving a takedown notice from Universal Music for posting a cover of a Sam Smith song.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Music Download Sites
💡Legal and Illegal Sites
💡Major Labels
💡Royalty Rights
💡Upcoming Artists
💡Jamendo
💡SoundCloud
💡Amazon.com
💡Free Music Archive
💡Facebook Pages
💡Live Takes
Highlights
Explains the legal distinction between free music download sites.
States that popular artists like Ed Sheeran or Taylor Swift won't be found legally free due to major labels' control over their music.
Introduces Jamendo as a site for discovering up-and-coming artists and free legal downloads.
Highlights SoundCloud as a major platform for accessing a vast range of music including underground and emerging artists.
Describes Amazon.com as a surprising source for thousands of free songs.
Mentions that on Amazon.com, users can find classical and new band music available for free.
Discusses Free Music Archive as a source for live takes and sessions from popular as well as upcoming artists.
Details how KEXP live sessions are often available for free on Free Music Archive.
Mentions how artists' Facebook pages can be a source for free music downloads, particularly remixes and live versions.
Points out the 'trade' aspect of free downloads on Facebook, where interaction with content is usually required.
Emphasizes the benefit of exploring new and less-known artists through these legal download sites.
Identifies the value in being a trendsetter among friends by discovering and sharing new bands.
Discusses the potential exposure benefits for artists posting their music for free.
Explains the reasons why major labels often take down unauthorized shares and covers of their music.
Notes the importance of respecting copyright and royalty rights when sharing music online.