Rock the Net: Musicians for Net Neutrality

The internet is crucial to musicians and other creators. It lets everyone have a voice and is a powerful engine for free expression, creativity and commerce. Creators must be able to compete on a level technological playing field alongside the biggest companies. This is why we need basic rules to ensure that all users can access the lawful content and run the legal applications and devices of their choice.
In 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took an important step towards keeping the internet accessible to all. Those rules were largely overturned in a court challenge, which meant the FCC had to start all over again. Along the way, musicians from all backgrounds and genres voiced their support for strong net neutrality protections.
In 2014, the FCC produced new rules to preserve a level playing field online. This is a victory for musicians and creative entrepreneurs who need the basic guarantee that their lawful products, sites and services can reach audiences.
FMC launched the Rock the Net campaign in 2007 to demonstrate the music community’s broad support for an open and accessible internet. As musicians and entrepreneurs, we understand the importance of treating all websites equally — from the busiest online music store to the smallest blog.
Future of Music Coalition has assembled the views and perspectives of musicians who understand the importance of preserving the open internet. “Rock the Net: Artist Voices” is a colorful document featuring such artists as R.E.M., OK Go, Kronos Quartet, stic.man of Dead Prez, Franz Nicolay and more, in their own words. Download the PDF here.