Wilco, Bright Eyes, Aimee Mann team for net neutrality

Since the beginning of time (OK, fine, the '60s), musicians and their various social/political/ethical causes have been inextricably linked. Taking that tradition of activism into the 21st century, we give you the newest trend (not involving Barack Obama) in musical stumping: network neutrality.

Most often referred to as "net neutrality," this recent topic of debate is essentially the idea of providing all Internet users with equal access and delivery speed on the World Wide Web. It's also an idea the telecom and cable companies (AKA: the ones that charge the fees for bandwidth) are shaking their fists at. A bill is currently making its way through Congress that would make net neutrality the norm.

So, where does the music industry fit in? The Internet has proven to be the new stomping ground for both well-established and unknown artists. In a move to protect their turf, (or at least to level the playing field) the Future of Music coalition has teamed up with Thirsty Ear Recordings to produce a 15-track album featuring the likes of Wilco, Bright Eyes, Aimee Mann, DJ Spooky, They Might Be Giants and The Wrens.

You can download Rock the Net: Musicians For Network Neutrality at the Future of Music's Rock the Net website.

Related links:
Wilco on MySpace
Ok Go testifies to Congress about net neutrality
News: Wren's first two albums to be reissued

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