The Nettwerk-fueled backlash against Big Brother, ie, the RIAA, has prompted other labels to join the fray. The VUT, the German Association of Independent Labels, has launched ‘Respect the Music-Copy Protection Free’ campaign, which has 3 key points, one of which being “the legal persecution of P2P users turns fans into criminals and does not solve the problem of piracy.”.

In his article, Drew Wilson adds:

The growth of these movements is a strong indication that many independent labels disagree with the highly publicized policies of the major music labels. While the major trade organizations rally behind strengthened copyright controls or DRM, the indies are taking a step back and listening to their customers.

Which now swings the spotlight back to those major labels that continue to side with the RIAA in taking legal action against users (usually children or teenagers), that illegally download songs. According to Digital Music News (via Coolfer), Nettwerk CEO Terry McBride appeared on a LA radio show last week, and here’s a recap of what he said:

During a recent talk radio program hosted by industry critic Bob Lefsetz, Nettwerk CEO Terry McBride pointed to further action ahead. According to McBride, several executives “have reached out” for ways to support the pushback. The end goal, according to McBride, is to “shame” the RIAA with a precedent that will terminate the continuing string of lawsuits against individual file-swappers. The radio program took place over the weekend on 97.1 KLSX in Los Angeles.The McBride crusade is likely to gain followers from within the industry, many of whom are also questioning the RIAA strategy. Already, super-producer Bob Ezrin has lent his support, perhaps the first of many. Among other artists, Ezrin has produced albums for Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Kiss, and The Darkness. Others will probably want to remain confidential with their support, especially those within major labels.

So now comes the interesting part. For the first time, a MAJOR record label has come out and sided with the consumer over file-sharing. Soon we will find out of the other major record labels were siding with the RIAA because they agreed with their stance toward prosecuting file-sharers, or because none of them wanted to rock the boat.

Nettwerk decided that the overall health of the music industry, and what was truly best for consumers, was more important than worrying about pissing off the RIAA. This story, coupled with the incredible account that Erin Kinghorn gave BMA of the unique culture at Nettwerk, shows what a truly amazing label Nettwerk is.

So while Nettwerk is an amazing label, they also have some incredible artists under their management. The above link to my interview with Erin Kinghorn has links to Nettwerk’s site, as well as links to many of their artists’ sites, even accounts of the charity work that all their artists perform. Give their music a listen, and you might just find a few new artists for your CD changer!

Again, we need to support and fight for labels like Nettwerk, because that’s exactly what they are doing for us.