"Free" Thinker: Susan Ferris Of Indie Long Live Crime Records

As part of a week long exploration into the meaning and value of "free", Hypebot asked some of the music industry's most forward thinkers the value and future of free music.  Here Susan Ferris of  indie Long Live Crime Records shares her perspective on "free".

Having a song that is available to the masses for free has proved profitable for us.  We have been able to give a taste with out spoiling the dinner. Ultimately the fans have been truly appreciative and in return purchased the whole CD.  

For me...it  really has brought the music full circle and has allowed indie labels like myself to work a single at virtually no cost.   I put the free song EVERYWHERE....it goes on samplers; any opportunity.

The bands have been really open to it as well since they feel like we are totally on their side....(apparently even in the indie world we are still the suit.)  So...do I think that this will save the music business.  I don¹t think the music business is in THAT much trouble. 

There is a lot of music out there and there are a lot of great bands out there....ultimately what will save the music business is when the creative people are back on top and the bean counters (and I love the bean counters....they are the best...) are back in the room NOT being creative.....