I woke up this morning to a tweet from @shayneTward (well, not PERSONALLY to me):
I find it disgusting that yet another 1 of my songs have been leaked. I ask all of u to not download or even listen 2 it in respect of me.!
Now there’s a conundrum for the Shayne Ward fan in your life. (Full disclosure if you didn’t already know it: I’m a fan). On one hand, a fan of an artist wants to help that person out and support whatever efforts will allow them to be successful. However, the flip side is that said fan wants to hear that leaked music as soon as possible. So what way do you go?
Leaks have become a completely different beast in the age of the Internet than they ever were in more analog times. My first “leak” was a vinyl copy of the Black Album in the late-80s that I got from a person who worked for a distributor. At the time, I thought I was being all rebellious and connected at the same time, but now I know that the bootleg was actually a promo copy of the aborted (at the time) album. It came as a fully packaged album, with a two-toned black cover, so I should have recognized the effort that went into the packaging. The Black Album was finally released in 1994, although by that time not nearly as many people cared.
So back to the leak at hand. I’ve already talked about two Shayne leaks last month, and as we get closer to the release of his third record, I am sure we will see more. While you want to think that the actions of someone you respect are on the up and up, I can’t help think that bringing attention to a track continues the conversation about the artist started by the first two leaks. Leaks have worked very well in building buzz for artists over the past few years (think Britney’s last two projects), so it isn’t a reach to wonder if the protest is to bring attention to the leak, because I didn’t know another track had leaked until Shayne told me so. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t, I suppose.
So here’s the question: given the circumstance, would you check out the leak, or would you leave it alone? I promise that I will share which way I went with it, but I’d like to see some of the feedback first.
Stumble It!
Pop Music Notes 
I think homeboy is overreacting. As a fan, you do what you can to support the artist, which includes purchasing singles/albums etc. However, because you listen to leaks, you are obviously NOT a fan! Lol. What a paradoxical dude you are…
Sounds like he needs to have a little faith in his fans doing the right thing.
I’d download but just wouldn’t really write about it 😛 Probably because if it’s the RedOne track it’s not actually that good, so he’s probably allowed to be a little bit peeved. On the other hand, if he would just release an album it would all be a bit better for everyone…
Agreed. Release the hounds!
I’d totally download it, listen to it and talk about it. I wouldn’t put it on my site of course, nor would you. But it’s his own people’s fault it leaked!
I’m a bit stunned that since they had a leak a month ago that they allowed this to happen again. Hence the conspiracy theory.
Given Shayne’s apparant inability to attract his own record label’s attention recently, I think he’d be pleased about any hype he can get for this album campaign. Ultimately, I see no harm in listening to the leak and commenting on it, especially if it’s unlikely that the record company would supply you said track for the purposes of reviewing it nearer the time. As xo says, it’s their fault that it’s leaked, but if some positive press comes from it, then that surely helps to mitigate the situation?
Any publicity is good publicity, right?
I tried my best to not check out these leaks but ive been waiting over a year for new shayne material and all the hype got the better of me, although i am still going to buy any material he releases because he deserves his fans support and i dont want to be takinfg the liberty by listening to the tracks and not helping shayne with his comeback! feel so sorry 4 him
And I don’t think you should feel guilty if you follow through with purchasing the music. You’re not the one who put it out there.
Shayne who?
Them there’s fightin’ words.
I honestly think it’s hilarious that so many artists get mad that people find/leak their music, and then TALK ABOUT THEM FOR FREE ON THE INTERNET AND BASICALLY PIMP THEIR SHIT. Um, yeah, free publicity is the WORST.
No argument, although that pimping doesn’t always translate, and it’s possible that could be because the fans already have the material prior to release.
BTW…may be in Atlanta next weekend.
Oh yes – my favourite topic. I am all for leaks because I can vouch at the end of the day I will buy the release if I like it. Shayne should be lecturing the people he is entrusting with his music versus the fans.
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