The digital era has made creating music easier for artists, but it has also led to some pitfalls. Early leaks are now commonplace in the industry. And unfortunately for the musicians involved, once the tracks hit the internet, there’s nothing they can do. One of the biggest artists of the year is fed up with this nonsense and is taking power back from leakers.
SZA takes the view that if an unfinished song is released without her permission, it’s no longer hers. She also asserts that she won’t be bullied into releasing something before she wants to.
“When people leak my songs, they ruin them. Then it’s not mine anymore; it’s actually yours. It’s something unfinished that you decided was ready to be shared,” she told Variety. “It’s like, ‘Fuck you. Now I’m not releasing it.’ Play your leak, but you’re not gonna bully me into dropping music.”
Think about it, how often have you heard a leaked track and already formed an opinion on the artist, song or album? For the Grammy nominee, this isn’t about making money or saving face, it’s about an unwelcome intrusion on her creative process.
“I’m now embarrassed by this less-than-correct version that you put out,” the “Kill Bill” singer said. “You’ve sent me into a weird space creatively when you could have just waited for me, but you’re selfish.”
We’ve seen leaked tracks come out, with rappers and singers lambasted for losing a step, or not having the same artistry they once had. Seriously, how would you like it if someone took your unfinished work and presented it to your boss or colleagues as the genuine article?
And let’s not discount the role A.I. plays in this increasingly normal practice. Nowadays, anyone can make a song that sounds indistinguishable from SZA, put it out as an early leak and it goes around the world before she has a chance to dispute it. Yes, after the fact everyone knows it’s a fabrication, but SZA’s reputation is already damaged.
Sadly, there’s really no way to put a stop to this practice. If an asshole wants to leak someone’s music, they’re going to find a way. However, if we as fans decide to ignore these songs, it will make leaking less desirable.