NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Warner Music Group has pacted with eMusic in a deal that will see the label group begin selling its tracks to U.S. members of the digital music service.
The agreement includes 10,000 titles from WMG's Atlantic Records, Rhino Records and Warner Bros. Records as well as from independent labels distributed through WMG's ADA stable that are not currently sold on eMusic. Some newer records however, will not be included in the agreement, Reuters reported.
eMusic's catalogue totals more than 7.5 million tracks spanning every music genre. The company sells monthly membership plans beginning at 24 credits for $11.99. Members can typically obtain single tracks for as low as $0.40 to $0.50 and albums for as low as $6. eMusic has sold more than 350 million music downloads under its current ownership. WMG is the second major to make a deal with eMusic, which had heretofore primarily focused on indie label repertoire.
"Our editors look forward to contextualizing WMG's catalogue with the unique eMusic sensibility our members have come to expect," said Danny Stein, eMusic president and CEO. "We're excited to work with Warner Music Group's labels, and by focusing on their hidden gems as well as classic albums, help them increase sales across their entire catalog."
Reuters also reported that eMusic is planning to hop on the streaming music bandwagon.
"We have a bunch of things in store for 2010 that will allow us to grow again and that includes streaming," Stein said in an interview. "The biggest issue comes with the rights holders being able to take on new business models. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
