The phrase in question refers to the action of acquiring music files at no cost through the Ares file-sharing network. Ares, popular in the early 2000s, facilitated the exchange of various digital files, including audio tracks, among its users. A typical scenario involved a user employing the Ares software to search for and download specific musical recordings without paying for them.
The appeal of such services stemmed from their ability to provide access to a wide range of music without the direct financial burden of purchasing albums or individual songs. However, this method of acquiring music raised significant copyright concerns and contributed to the decline of traditional music sales models. The availability of free digital content via peer-to-peer networks dramatically altered the landscape of the music industry.
