Press We7 catalogue keeps on growing
Apr 21, 2008
We7 today announced deals bringing more than 200,000 new and diverse tracks to music fans. Agreements with IRIS, one of the world's leading independent Digital Distributors, InGrooves one of the largest independent digital-only music label/publishers and BFM Digital, a Distributor that gives independent labels and artists a platform to get their music into the marketplace. We7 has now licensed catalogues containing more than 750,000 songs.
The deals follow the recently announced partnership with Sony BMG, who became the first major to sign with We7 in the UK, making its huge digital catalogue available for We7 users to stream for free, with a short targeted audio ad preceding each track. The new signings follow the likes of Sanctuary Records, V2 and Nettwerk in allowing We7's 130,000 users to download great music for free, and rights holders and labels to gain new advertising revenue streams.
IRIS distribute many renowned independent labels such as Scion, Chemikal Underground, Subliminal and Big Dada. InGrooves will be adding over 130,000 tracks from prime independent labels such as ESL Music, VP Records, Chocolate Industries and A2M Distribution. BFM Digital distributes labels such as Cristal Records, Disk Eyes and Ana Records. BFM will make 60,000 tracks available for We7 users to download and stream for free, with a short audio ad.
Clive Gardiner from We7 commented "We7 is delighted to expand further our exciting top-quality repertoire choices for our users. We7 is all about discovering and sharing great music, whether that means listening now (streaming) or listening later (downloading). I warmly welcome these latest licensors and thank them for embracing We7's pioneering ad-funded business model which is based upon dynamically targeted advertising opportunities."
IRIS's Chief Marketing Officer Bryn Boughton said: "Leave it to Peter Gabriel and his colleagues to come up with such a unique and innovative way to offer fans free music whilst at the same time paying the artists and labels their fair share. We think our labels will benefit greatly from this model and we're excited to work with We7."
Renée Reed, Director of Business Development for INgrooves: "We're very happy to be working with We7 and are particularly impressed by the milestones they have already reached in such a short amount of time. We love that consumers now have the option to either purchase a download or get it for free while the artist still gets their share. We7's ad-supported business model is a truly dynamic one and we're looking forward to their continued success".
Steve Corn, CEO of Big Fish Media said: "Peter Gabriel has a history of innovation in the music industry and we very pleased to be part of his latest venture. We believe that We7 represents a uniquely, creative approach to solving the inherent conflicts between a la carte and subscription models of digital music. BFM Digital feels that it is an imperative to support such alternative compensation structures and we are proud to have our diverse catalogue part of their growing service."
About BFM Digital LLC
Connecting music to the world since 2004, BFM Digital is an innovative digital distribution company committed to serving the independent music community by helping them maximize their catalogue's potential through global digital distribution. BFM Digital offers labels, artists and content providers access to all major online and mobile store fronts. BFM represents hundreds of catalogues in every genre and works closely with labels to ensure top placements through ongoing promotions with retailers and target campaigns for key releases. BFM is also affiliated with leading global publishing companies such as The Royalty Network, Inc. For more information, please visit www.bfmdigital.com.
About IRIS
IRIS is the leading digital distribution company dedicated to the successful marketing and promotion of prominent independent music and video catalogs. Founded in 2003, IRIS provides a comprehensive suite of technical, marketing and legal services to independent record labels and physical distributors, helping them to navigate the emerging digital marketplace. IRIS consistently champions independent thought and progressive culture through its music and marketing initiatives.
IRIS currently distributes a select group of top independent record labels and artists including Alleviated, Big Dada, Burning Spear, Chemikal Underground, Definitive, Duck Down Records, Gemini Sun, Ghostly International, K Records, Kranky, Le Tigre, Lou Reed, Megaforce, NinjaTune, Palmetto Records, Projekt, She Wants Revenge and SCION to over 350 digital outlets.
IRIS is based in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY. For more information, visit www.irisdistribution.com.
About INgrooves
INgrooves is a digital media distribution and technology company that provides various distribution and marketing services via its INgrooves and ONE Digital divisions. ONE Digital provides distribution and royalty administration at rates far below the industry standard. INgrooves provides clients customized marketing, promotion, synch licensing and administrative support to help maximize the earnings potential of specific releases or catalogues.
About We7
We7 is the first free and legal service of its kind in Europe delivering music in the way consumers want it. We7 users can choose to pay for mp3 downloads; or choose to stream or download music at no cost to them funded by We7's unique advertising model. This works by "grafting" short, relevant, targeted audio ads before streamed or downloaded music tracks based upon known, implied and behavioural information about the individual We7 user. We7's premium targeted advertising ensures that artists and labels receive royalties for making their songs available, whilst consumers receive streamed or downloaded music legitimately free of charge, and advertisers talk directly to their specified audience. Downloaded audio ads can be removed after 28 days. We7 was shortlisted for the Music Week Digital Achievement Award for 2008.
For more information:
Jaz Cummins
jaz.cummins@shinyred.co.uk
0207 520 9532
