About DRMFree.org
- Our goal is to make it as simple as we can for you to find your music in a flexible format.
- We believe that most consumers are happy to pay for music they can enjoy as they wish -- and if given the option, they will.
- We believe that music distributed without DRM is better for both consumers and artists alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do you do?
For people that prefer to purchase their music without DRM, DRMFree.org offers a single place to search. Instead of guessing and hunting for where you might find music, or settling for DRM locked files, one search will show you where the music you seek is available.
- What is DRM?
DRM (Digital Rights/Restrictions Management) is a technology that music distributors put on the files they sell to restrict your use of the music. DRM complicates or disallows selection of different media players (both on your computer and physical devices), backing up your music and many other legal, fair-use applications of the content you’ve purchased. Distributors also reserve the right to change the restrictions at any time, so what you agree to today may be completely different tomorrow. Often, these restrictions can lead to being unable to listen to the music you purchased, so if you have a choice, opt for the DRM-free music files!
- What sites do you track?
We aim to track any site that offers legal, DRM-free music files for purchase. We include free content available on these sites as well. We do not track sites where the files you purchase are DRM-locked nor sites where you can download music illegally. We currently track:
- Why launch on Tuesday, October 3rd?
- How can I suggest a site?
If you run or just know of a site that we should be listing, please send an email to contact[at]drmfree.org and we will work to include the site as quickly as we can. We want our search to be comprehensive, so your input will be valued!
- Wow, this is cool, can I help?
Absolutely! If you are interested in volunteering to help the project, please email contact[at]drmfree.org describing what you would like to contribute. If you know python for site scraping, have some fancy front end ideas, feature requests, bug reports, or just want to know how you might help, I would love to hear from you.
DRMFree.org was born out of a desire to buy digital music without the restrictions of Digital Rights Management (DRM). There are many sites online that sell music without DRM, including record labels and independent artists selling their own music. Until DRMFree.org there was no central location to search these sites, often making locating music without DRM a long and difficult process. Now you have one place to find music you want in the format you want while supporting artists and labels that have elected to not restrict the music they sell.
DRMFree.org is a project of ideals that has inspired good will and collaboration. One story in particular demonstrates the nature of the project: While still in development, Founder Mike McCracken discovered that the domain name he felt was most appropriate was held by some one else. He contacted David Holst of
word.net,
4flix.com and
unabridgedbooks.com to describe the idea and the two, though complete strangers, were in such agreement about the ideals behind the project that the domain was agreeably sold to help the project and the cause.