Legal Music
Before I begin my 7 tips, I think it'd be a good idea to run through why exactly I choose to download music legally rather than use file sharing sites illegally.
As well as the content being great quality, you gain a sense of reassurance that the file you are downloading is 100% legal, and truly free. Perhaps more importantly, I can also rest assured that a virus is not making itself at home on my computer as I open my new music file for the first time.
I also feel more involved with the music I download and the artists behind it. If you choose safe music downloads, you're supporting an artist, and lowering the price of future downloads for yourself and others - helping everyone download music legally for free.
I also know though that it's hard to find decent, original stuff, and the search to download free music legally is a tough one!
So, I can't stop you if you decide on illegal music downloads, but I can give you some valuable advice from personal experience on why you might like to compare your options, the some tips I've picked up on how to quickly find safe music downloads.
1) Watch out for Free Safe Music Downloads
Be very wary when you read this anywhere, and thoroughly check out any site offering the ability to download free music legally! Avoid swapping and trading sites like the plague - even if a few people are sharing legitimately, the content offered are frequently illegal, and more often than not, you'll find yourself with a slightly-off, bad quality version of the track you set out to find.
These sites are also a hacker's favourite way to spread their malicious software, which can often surpass a lot of anti-virus software - so even if you set out only to find safe music downloads, and had every intent to download music legally, you may get more than you bargained for!
2) Make Friends with Public Domain
Let's face it, you've probably searched a lot by now, and there aren't many places that really offer safe music downloads, or a way to download free music legally.
Although you'll mostly find older songs here, and many recordings from gigs where bands allowed fans to record their performances, you can search for what's known as 'public domain recordings' from a trusted site like Archive.org.
Step 3 - Be a Loyal Fan
It's rare these days for bands and artists - especially those less well known - not to have a website or web presence of some sort. Search for your favourite record labels and artists, and explore their websites. If they have a mailing list, make sure you grab the opportunity to subscribe.
As well as being one of the first to hear about your favourite artists' tours and updates, lots - particularly smaller labels or independent unsigned artists, offer promotional free safe music downloads through their mailing lists or directly from their websites.
Step 4 - Get Social
By now, you'll have at least heard of MySpace, if you haven't already got a profile there. If you don't, we suggest you do - MySpace is home to tens of thousands of musicians waiting to share their sound with you.
You'll be able to listen for free, and if you do your bit to support less well known artists by posting them a comment, or even offering to write them a review, many people will be more than happy to send you a free track in return!
The only problem with MySpace is that there is such a wide variety to choose from, you can easily get lost searching for a sound you like - make sure you have a solid idea of the genre or artists' names before you delve into the depths of MySpace.
Step 5 - Find your Personal Radio Station
If you're not completely sure who you'd like to search for, try a Google search for Last FM,, or download Spotify - two great ways to find your perfect style. These are 2 examples of the few websites that will stream your personal preferences of music for free, for as long as you like.
Discover a new favourite artist, and then download their material for a low price - you'll have the peace of mind of knowing you're guaranteed a safe music download, and also supporting a great artist.
Step 6 - Safe Music Downloads in Offline Promotions
Keep your eyes peeled for promotions and offers in the offline world involving free music - large brands have been known to give away free iTunes credits, whilst many others give codes and download links to those who take part in their promotions, which means more safe music downloads.
Step 7 - Find The 'Hidden Gems' of Legal Music Download Sites Online
As I've said, it's almost impossible to find good quality, free and legal music downloads, whilst it's also pretty hard to find places that offer safe music downloads at an affordable price. You'll need to do some searching, and go for sites who directly work with artists. This way, you know you're getting the original, top quality untouched track, and the artists are getting something in return for the effort they put in to giving you the music you enjoy.
But how will you know when you have found them?
Sites like these usually feature only a few specific artists, and pay a lot of care to their presentation and their quality of service. After a while, you'll get to know how to spot sites like these quickly amongst the rest, I would just be being mean if I didn't start you off!
Try The Best Music Shop, and discover new music artists talent whilst knowing a great safe music download is just around the corner.
If you'd rather choose the route of contacting artists direct about their music, go as direct as you can. Occasionally you'll find a contact form, subscription box or an email address on an artist's personal site - use it!
An example, for those of you who like new indie pop music, is the contact page of Ziggiville, a new female pop music artist with some punk rock influences - she gives away a free track every now and again but only to those who ask!
What Is On YouTube Today?
Know Your: Ages of Consent! (Song)
Here Are Some Items From Amazon You Might Like.
 HP Officejet Pro 8600 Premium e-All-in-One Wireless Color Printer with Scanner, Copier & Fax List Price: Sale Price: $244.97 You save: $155.02 (39%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days  |
 Brother MFC-8480DN High-Performance Laser All-in-One with Networking and Duplex Printing List Price: Sale Price: $283.15 You save: $66.84 (19%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days |
 Epson Perfection V33 Photo Scanner (B11B200201) List Price: Sale Price: $67.99 You save: $22.00 (24%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Canon CanoScan LiDE210 Scanner (4508B002) List Price: Sale Price: $79.48 You save: $10.51 (12%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Epson Perfection V330 Photo Scanner (B11B200211) List Price: Sale Price: $90.00 You save: $29.99 (25%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Epson WorkForce GT-1500 Document Scanner (B11B190011) List Price: Sale Price: $190.99 You save: $59.00 (24%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 HP ScanJet 5590 Digital FlatBed Scanner List Price: Sale Price: $199.00 You save: $152.00 (43%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Magicolor 1600W (120V) List Price: Sale Price: $79.98 You save: $165.79 (67%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Livescribe ANA-00006 Unlined Black 1-2 Journal - 2 Pack List Price: Sale Price: $15.98 You save: $8.97 (36%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Brother Printer HL4570CDWT Color Laser Printer with Duplex and Dual Paper Trays List Price: Sale Price: $531.99 You save: $68.00 (11%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
Items recently purchased on this site:
Thanks for visiting!