I’m a huge fan of open software and free ideas. Ever since Windows XP launched, with its authorization schemes, I’ve been on a migration path away from Microsoft. And yet, while I use a Mac laptop and Linux on my desktop for web development, I still use Windows XP along with Cakewalk SONAR for all of my recording and sound design.

There are two primary reasons I have persisted in the proprietary world of Windows and Cakewalk. The first reason is that I have invested in a lot of Windows-only hardware. And the second reason is that open source audio tools have lagged behind their proprietary counterparts in terms of features and friendliness. But those reasons no longer suffice.

This week, when Ubuntu 7.04 launches, it will have a companion, known as Ubuntu Studio. Ubuntu Studio is a community-produced collection of repository packages, audio tools and plugins that provide a comprehensive audio and video production environment. And it is my path to a fully open source music studio.

To learn the ropes in this new system, I will be recording my next album, called “The Open Album.” I’m still working out the licensing, but I think it will be something similar to the GPL.

Here’s the scoop: All tracks, plugins, and project files will be released along with the album. Other musicians will be free (and encouraged) to remix, premix, and otherwise tweak the music, provided they release all their source material, which will require that no proprietary software be used.

I’m excited to get started, but it will probably be a few weeks before I get familiar enough with the software to post anything resembling an alpha release of any of the songs.

Once the album is finished, it will be published at Jamendo, and all source materials will be released at TheOpenAlbum.com (currently redirecting to this site).

What do you think? Do the principles of software apply to music? Is it brilliant, or stupid? Intuitive or unworkable? We shall find out.