Should you download songs illegally

Answer 1

Should? Depends on the perspective.

Coming from the copyright holders perspective, one would say no, you shouldn't download songs illegally as it doesn't give the artists or the recording companies their pay that they are entitled to upon creating and releasing the material.

To the artists perspective, yes, you should, because it gets artistic material and knowledge of an artists existence.

To the listeners perspective, yes, as it lets you build more music for less money and less effort, allowing one to enjoy a larger selection of music.

Personally, I believe that one should download songs illegally, because although it kills the music industry, it saves music. It gets large pop acts out of the way to make room for independent artists and small, talented groups - who's work I buy.