Well, the only way you can get music like you're talking about for free is either when they offer free samples - e.g. on their websites or by breaking the law.
I totally understand the try-before-you-buy mentality if you're into music that you can't hear on the radio or TV, but the Chillis and the Zutons hardly fit into that category.
Yes, record companies make ridiculous profits and yes, the music industry is licensed theft to a substantial degree and I'm in favour of artist-centric business models but that doesn't excuse theiving of music, and that *is* what you're talking about, because you're not looking to download this free stuff with a view to buying it if you like it by the sound of it.