Is it illegal here in the USA to download songs from a source other than the one you have to pay for?
Yes and no. Some bands have websites set up and allow you to download songs. However, the peer-to-peer sites (torrent sites), where you can download music, movies, TV, manga... those are violation of copyright and illegal.
I typically buy itunes gift cards and just buy my music from there. It's the safest way really and the songs are about a dollar each. Those free DL sites can give your computer viruses very easily! Also, if you get caught, it's a pretty big deal. Doesn't happen often, but it's worth remembering.
My brother is an intellectual property attorney (patents and copyrights), and has gone after these sites before. While they're more likely to target the site owners, you are techinically stealing the artists' property, and can be prosecuted/sued.
I buy from Walmart Music Downloads. It's usually only 88 cents a song, some are $1.24. Not too bad. And easy to download & burn to CD. I want to find out how to make a DVD of my fave YouTube videos. Even if I have to buy them.
