Perhaps the leaders in the field of offering free music downloads was Radiohead: the UK based band released its latest album – the critically acclaimed In Rainbows – for free over the web. Never before had there been a more singing praise of the new business model that had started to take over the music industry. Never has the pain felt by industry leaders, publishers and producers been so great.

Another band that has taken this counter intuitive route to releasing their wares is Nine Inch Nails. Nine Inch Nails decided that the best way to garner some publicity was to release their album “the slip” free for consumption through its website. Free music downloads are starting to appear from everywhere and it is interesting that those who, it would seem, stand to lose the most financially are those that are quickly championing the move.

Free music downloads of a new album will perhaps have lost momentum after Radiohead’s pioneering move but although it is not the publicity stunt it once was but that makes Trent Reznor and his band’s move even more brave. And, most importantly, even more of a message to those who run and profit from the music industry.