In this digital age, it seems all too easy to get videos and music for free. Unfortunately, there are piracy laws to stop us from downloading the collected works of Metallica or the Boston Pops without paying a service such as iTunes a dime. It is possible to get free music from iTunes, however.
Free Song of the Week
Every Tuesday, Apple sends out a weekly "New Music" e-mail listing the artists whose music is featured that week on iTunes. Buried in the e-mail is that week's "Single Of The Week," a free offering just for subscribing.
Get Free Videos
In addition to free songs, that weekly e-mail can include free music videos as well. Usually these are by up-and-coming artists, but there are some real gems in there.
Be a Fan of iTunes on Facebook
iTunes has a presence on Facebook.com, and, if you become a fan, it sends out special music releases that can include as many as a dozen artists in one download. These are often major-label artists and some songs just starting to get radio airplay.
Grab a Cup of Coffee
Starbucks has teamed up with iTunes to offer a weekly free music download. Grab a card when you grab your coffee and punch in the code to get your free song of the week.
What You're Getting
You won't find downloads from bands like Nickelback or U2 in the free bin, but on occasion you do find a song that goes on to become a big hit, such as "1901" by Phoenix. Give it all a listen, and you may find something you never thought you'd like.
