EMusic, the Internet's most popular downloadable music subscription service, has signed a distribution agreement with Vagrant Records, a wildly successful independent label specializing in punk/alternative music. Under the terms of the agreement, EMusic will distribute both Vagrant's catalog and new releases to members of its MP3 subscription service. EMusic subscribers can download full albums from such Vagrant artists as Dashboard Confessional, Saves The Day, The Get Up Kids, Alkaline Trio and Paul Westerberg, among others.
The agreement builds on EMusic's extensive catalog of more than 250,000 MP3s from over 900 leading independent labels. EMusic allows its 70,000 members unlimited access to its catalog of high-quality MP3s for one low monthly price. Unlike other subscription services that offer only streaming and significant restrictions, EMusic uses the popular MP3 format and allows members the flexibility to easily burn their music to CDs and transfer it to portable MP3 audio players. EMusic offers a free two-week trial to its service at http://www.emusic.com/subscription.
"In contrast to the other subscription offerings, EMusic is tailored for the avid music fan and we specialize in music from great independent labels," said Steve Grady, general manager for EMusic. "Our subscribers will be thrilled with the addition of Vagrant and we are proud to add its impressive roster to our service."
"In the six years since it was founded, Vagrant Records has become one of the most successful and respected independent rock labels in the world," said Ray Farrell, EMusic's vice president of music acquisition and management. "EMusic has the strongest punk and indie rock fan base of any subscription service, so this is a great match."
"EMusic has grown into a strong digital distribution channel as well as a great promotion avenue," said Dan Gill, general manager of Vagrant Records. "We've looked at many other subscription offerings and EMusic is set apart by its flexibility and value."
