What deterred me from becoming a professional musician was this (paraphrased) quote:

“Your job is not to sell music. Your job is to sell merchandise, and your music is just advertising for your merchandise.”

If I were to rationalize it, I would say “stealing music” is essentially “stealing advertising”.

(By the way, I don’t think you should be downvoted so much. I believe in good-faith discussion, even if I disagree)

You know what, sure! If you feel better than me because you gave some record label execs money to listen to that music then by all means, feel better than me.

I'll buy a vinyl from the merch booth, maybe. But I have no reason to purchase digital content. And I certainly don't feel bad about entertainment piracy.

I play music. I don't care if people copy my music and share it. Every musician I personally know feels the same.

i'm entitled to music for free because it's asinine to threaten me with fines and arrest for redistributing information (it's called sharing and where i'm from they teach it in kindergarten)