Switchfoot object to Digital Rights Management software on their latest album.
A CONTROVERSY has arisen concerning the latest album by San Diego rockers Switchfoot. The band's new album, the platinum selling 'Nothing Is Sound', was released by Sony with Digital Rights Management software blocking purchasers from copying the album. Band member Tim Foreman took exception to Sony's actions after it came to his attention that fans were having problems importing the band's latest songs from CD to iTunes. He posted full instructions for disabling the DRM that accompanies the CD, including a link to an open source programme that helps to rip CDs. He said he was "horrified" to learn about the new copy protection policy of major labels including Switchfoot's own label, Sony. "I feel like as a band and as listeners, we've all been through a lot together over the past 10 years and we refuse to allow corporate policy to taint the family we've developed together."
The instructions for disabling DRM were subsequently removed from the Switchfoot website without explanation.
The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.