R.E.M. releases open-source videos

Author: Gareth Halfacree
Published: 15th February 2008
Comments (6) Stumble
The finished remixes are to be uploaded to YouTube for other fans to enjoy.

The finished remixes are to be uploaded to YouTube for other fans to enjoy.

Stipe fans the world over, rejoice: the bald crooner has taken the interesting decision to release open-source videos for his upcoming single Supernatural Serious.

In the first such move I've heard of, the band has decided to release eleven different music videos for the song under an Open Source Initiative approved license. Unlike a simple free download, the license allows you to download high-definition versions of the music video and remix them to your hearts content. The band is even encouraging you to share your creations on their YouTube page.

The move, far from encouraging rampant piracy as the RIAA seems to fear from un-DRMed tracks, is likely to help boost the profile of the upcoming album at little cost to the band. Heck, it's already got them a free advert here on bit-tech, right?

Whether anything watchable will come out of the project remains to be seen. Although the files are in a high-definition format – an interesting choice given the eventual target platform will be the decidedly non-HD YouTube – the use of MP4 compression helps to keep the file size down to a manageable 250MB per video.

If you're a fan of REM and have access to video editing software that supports the MP4 format – the sticking point for most amateurs, I would imagine – then download the videos and have a go. Open source: it's not just for software any more.

A brave move in an industry the RIAA tells us will crash and burn if piracy isn't managed, or a cynical ploy to get free advertising off the OSI's back? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
Quote salesman 15th February 2008, 08:40
I respect them more for doing this.
Quote Cthippo 15th February 2008, 08:59
I've never been a big REM fan, but I applaud them for trying something new and I hope is succeeds. Remember, the alternative is more of the same **AA BS
Quote iwog 15th February 2008, 09:29
Hehe, the RIAA must really hate the established bands right now, they seem to be pulling crazy DRM defying stunts. And if this works i can see more of the rebellious bands doing the same thing.
Quote naokaji 15th February 2008, 09:58
good move, unlike the riaa who knows no other answer than lawsuits and censoring these guys atleast give other options a go to see how they work.
Quote DXR_13KE 15th February 2008, 10:17
and i bet that the RIAA will come out with a press release stating that it was a complete failure....... that R.E.M. lost money.... and that people are all pirates.....

but hurrra for R.E.M. for going open source :D
Quote rjkoneill 15th February 2008, 12:36
i bet they use linux software to record their next 'hit' record
Log in

You are not logged in, please login with your forum account below. If you don't already have an account please register to start contributing.



XFX 790i SLI


Affordable hosting at TSOhost
Stats: 0.097 seconds