When the historical past books are written about Metallica, they’ll say they grew to be the most important metallic band on the planet off of their early discography and a middling slate of latter releases. They’ll say their in depth touring unfold the music worldwide. They usually’ll say Lars Ulrich single-handedly killed the band’s rep for a very long time for going after Napster. And whereas all of these issues are true, Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor thinks that final criticism could also be fully unfair.

Whereas chatting on the Kidd Chris – Off Air podcast (transcribed by Blabbermouth), Taylor was requested what he thought of Metallica’s lawsuit again in 2000 in opposition to Napster. And whereas most music customers look again on that incident as a black mark on anybody opposing peer-to-peer downloads, Taylor lands on the opposite aspect of the dialog.

“I fully backed [METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich, who spearheaded the Napster battle], man. We’re seeing the aftermath of it, to be trustworthy. I imply, clearly, I’ve to work with streaming, DSPs and whatnot, nevertheless it doesn’t imply I prefer it. The chances are so stacked in opposition to the artist that much less and fewer individuals are capable of make a residing at this, man — until you hit the jackpot. And even if you hit the jackpot, you’re paid peanuts. And it’s revolting in a variety of methods. I’m nonetheless ready for the laws to really go into impact, nevertheless it’s been appealed so many occasions by all the DSPs that we could by no means see the fitting method. And actually, it’s one of many issues why I’m sort of gratified by the truth that bodily copies are literally coming again an increasing number of, particularly in our style. In order that, no less than, is retaining us afloat. But it surely’s arduous.

“And that is any individual who’s simply getting by. What in regards to the youthful bands who can’t make it? What in regards to the youthful bands who, they’re tied to the outdated system, and the one factor that they’ll do is hope and pray that one thing breaks by means of. However then it’s important to stream billions to make [any real money]. It’s ridiculous. The maths doesn’t work. And I’m bored with speaking to individuals about it as a result of the mathematics doesn’t work. They’re paid even lower than the outdated radio construction. Not less than you might make a goddamn residing [back then]… That’s why I commend these youthful bands which are bypassing the label construction, interval. They usually’re going, ‘I’m not gonna allow them to gather the whole lot.’ Truthfully, it’s the one solution to make DSPs work in your favor, is to chop out the center man, as a result of that’s the place all the cash goes.”

It’s no secret that bands today are struggling, what with elevated journey prices, venues taking their reduce out of merch gross sales, and now streaming companies paying subsequent to nothing for every pay attention.

One of many main issues, he stated, was artists’ issue in getting medical insurance coverage until they’re a serious act. Taylor says he worries for the smaller bands making an attempt to get their profession going.

“A variety of the people who find themselves tremendous common proper now, they don’t say something as a result of they’re tremendous common proper now. They’re, like, ‘Ah, I’m making mine.’ However what occurs if you’re not? What occurs if you’re simply the newest development to be placed on the shelf once more? What occurs when that stuff doesn’t make something for you anymore?

“Hear, I’m gonna come off like an asshole, as a result of it’s simply the best way it’s. I believe if extra individuals realized how badly artists had been paid, they could say one thing or they could attempt to do one thing. However lots of people are egocentric as effectively, and rightfully so, as a result of on the finish of the day, in the event you’re not searching for your self, who the hell is searching for you? But it surely nonetheless doesn’t imply that the artist isn’t getting fucked.”

You possibly can take a look at the entire dialog within the clip beneath.