I liken it to open source software: the intellectual property isn't the business plan/revenue source—rather, it enables a business model surrounding that IP (touring).
Pretty Lights, for example, is achieving some great success releasing his own music and everything else on his label for free. If your music is more accessible, and people enjoy it, then ticket sales are sure to go up.
And on that note, yes it's a terrible plan if you're just setting out to make money: these artists have INSANE touring schedules. Their passion for the music is what keeps them going.
Pretty Lights, for example, is achieving some great success releasing his own music and everything else on his label for free. If your music is more accessible, and people enjoy it, then ticket sales are sure to go up.
And on that note, yes it's a terrible plan if you're just setting out to make money: these artists have INSANE touring schedules. Their passion for the music is what keeps them going.