Copyright an unnessesary middleman

I have attended multiple concerts, and heard bands say multiple times "please download our album and share it with your friends, we make our money at shows." This begs the question, are copyright laws really protecting the creators, or are they a legal skimping machine? Personally I think the later is fare more true. Recently digital distribution has been making steps in the right direction to line the coffers of the creators, instead of vultures in ties. Copyright is a racket. Publishing companies are barely more than a bloated burden for artists, a corporate Fagin, demanding tribute. If we cut off the dead weight; artists will be paid better for their work, and it will be cheaper too. Purchase from digital distribution and creators websites; make sure your money goes to those who earned it.