Remember yesterday when we told you about how such indie powerhouse labels as Domino, Merge, 4AD, Matador, and Rough Trade were pulling their catalogs from download-to-own subscription service eMusic because eMusic decided to alter their pricing model? And remember when we told you that the change was rumored to be set in motion by eMusic’s recent partnerships with major labels like Universal? And remember how we even reported Matador’s statement regarding the matter, which included such classy tidbits as “as eMusic has brought more major labels into the fold, they have changed the terms on which they deal with labels, some of which we have found impossible to accept, in our own interests, those of our artists, and ultimately those of their fans”?
Well, good. That makes this a heck of a lot easier. eMusic CEO Adam Klein has released his own statement today in the aftermath of all this hoopla, in which he “discusses the future of eMusic.” Although, if you notice, he doesn’t mention anything about the actual future of eMusic… you know, the one where it closes down because all the cool labels that just left lost them boatloads of subscriptions? Oh well. Check it out below in all its optimism (you might want to cue up some “Taps” first):
eMusic has always looked to be a home for thoughtful fans of music, no matter the source. Our aim has always been to offer the most complete selection of music possible. To that end we are adding to our U.S. catalogue over 250,000 titles from Universal Music Group, as well as new releases from Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group — much of this goes live on eMusic tomorrow (Nov 18) in the U.S. and the balance over the next few weeks. This is in addition to their catalog, which has been live for a year. These labels join thousands of labels already working with us to offer you the best music selection possible; in the future we will welcome more music in the UK, Europe and Canada as well.
In the process of expanding our catalog and making the changes necessary to serve our members and ensure the long-term sustainability of our business, a few labels have chosen to exclude themselves from the new comprehensive eMusic offering. We are treating all labels equally and therefore we believe fairly. We will greatly miss their artists and their music and trust that they will find their way back to our members soon.
We remain committed to the unique voice we have cultivated on the eMusic site, and to highlighting the music that inspires us, whether it’s sold 4 or 4 million copies, regardless of what label has released it. Our focus is on our members and we look forward to working with all of our label partners — new and existing — and to creating a service that benefits them, their artists and our members.
Adam Klein, eMusic CEO
• eMusic: http://www.emusic.com
