It has always been a huge debate in the music industry does file-sharing really hurt or can it possibly help bands? Most popular band will say no it hurts us, but really can they come out and say "Hey thanks, your really helping us out". Well here is the thing, bands make money on the concerts not really on the records sold - that is where the producers make their money. Well file-sharing has made so many bands that much more popular. With times tight some turn to file-sharing even though they know its not legal to share a file (be is music, game, app or program) that are copy written.

Torrentfreak did a article on a small band in Canada who is grateful for file-sharing. I think they said what alot of bands are thinking but don't have the guts to say, although some have.

Band Thanks File-Sharing For Greater Exposure and Success

We’re all familiar with the aggressive anti-piracy stances of artists like Prince and bands like Metallica. But file-sharing doesn’t have to be all about conflict, and for many artists it is proving to be a very effective promotional tool to reach people who otherwise may remain oblivious to their art.

One band embracing file-sharing are Toronto-based melodic folk rock group Great Lake Swimmers.

In an interview earlier this year, the band’s lead vocalist Tony Dekker said that although he doesn’t share files himself and would prefer it if fans got music from legitimate sources, he’s OK with it since people are “spreading the word about a band they love through file sharing.”

Great Lake Swimmers

So what are your thoughts? Do you think that file sharing can help promote bands?