MUMBAI: Tribe of Noise will launch a website providing a podium to composers all over the world and offering legal free music downloads on 14 July.

At Tribe of Noise, composers can upload their music under a Creative Commons license that allows fans and professionals to download, distribute and build upon it.

Talking about this landmark attempt, Tribe of Noise co-founder Sandra Brandenburg says, "While the traditional music industry is still in the repressive mode by introducing digital rights management and sending out the watch dogs, we rather think in solutions for like-minded spirits."

It was not difficult for Tribe of Noise to find independent artists who believe in sharing their music and encouraging fans and professionals to freely distribute and build upon their work."I would like to praise these bands, they showed courage and enlightenment about the direction we're heading. All the music on our platform is authorized and free for fans, but it can also be used for commercial purposes. As long as the artist is attributed and derived work is published under the same license," Brandenburg further adds.

According to NPD's US annual survey of internet users for the year 2007, there was an increase in the volume of music acquired for nothing and a sharp decline in the total amount paid out for music. Although more people paid for digital downloads (that market grew from seven per cent to 10 per cent), it was not enough to cover the fall in CD sales, down from 41 per cent to 32 per cent. With the music industry being in downward spiral but still gaining massive revenues, it has not been able to make the big leap forward.

Commenting on the current music scenario, Brandenburg laments, "The music industry and especially musicians are struggling. But we take the Darwinist approach; adapt and you will survive. So instead of resisting change and become extinct you want to embrace change. People are going to share music, so give them something to share. Simultaneously you build an inner circle of fans, who are more than willing to see you perform or buy your stuff."