Five major record labels have a monopoly that’s bad for musicians and music culture, but now we have an opportunity to change that. We can use tools like filesharing to strengthen independent labels and end the major label monopoly.

How do musicians get paid for downloads? Simple: collective licensing lets people download unlimited music for a flat monthly fee ($5-$10) and the money goes to musicians and labels according to popularity. This solution preserves the cultural benefits of p2p, gets musicians way more money, and levels the playing field.

Our plan is to explain how the majors really work, develop software to make filesharing stronger, rally public support for a legal p2p compensation system, and connect independent music scenes with the free culture movement.

Help us build a healthier music business

We have an amazing chance right now to take back music from the big corporate record labels and build a fairer music business. There’s a huge amount of work to do, so we need everyone’s help. If you want to be involved in what we do, the best thing to do first is check out the Get Involved Page.

Contact Downhill Battle

General –

Tiffiniy Cheng, Director –

Holmes Wilson, Director –

Nicholas Reville, Director –

Nick Nassar, Director/Software Development –

Rebecca Laurie, Outreach –

Downhill Battle in the News

Downhill Battle is a non-profit organization working to break the major label monopoly of the record industry and put control back in the hands of musicians and fans. Downhill Battle launched in August 2003 to create a public voice that could counter the distortions of the RIAA and the major record labels.

Downhill Battle is a collaborative project and we work with musicians, music fans, artists, and designers around the world. There is a core group of people working full-time, based in Worcester, MA. We see an unprecedented opportunity to create a decentralized music business and a level playing field for independent musicians and labels. We’re doing everything we can to make that happen.

Why Should You Contribute to Downhill Battle?

There is a window of opportunity to make dramatic changes that put musicians and fans at the top of the music industry, but this chance may not last long. Downhill Battle has been leading the fight for reform, and it’s become a full-time effort for several of us. We are completely dependent on support from individuals to stay alive– so if you like what we do, help us keep doing it.

To donate by check, mail checks to Nicholas Reville, 28 Monadnock Rd., Worcester, MA 01609