EMusic Launches Subscription Service

EMusic.com has launched an all-you-can-download subscription service called "EMusic Unlimited". The service allows consumers to pay a monthly fee to download as much music as they want from EMusic's digital collection of over 125,000 MP3s. The company has also implemented an artist-compensation program in conjunction with the launch of the service.

"Since day one, our company has been focused on leveraging the Internet to improve the ways that music is discovered, delivered and enjoyed," said Gene Hoffman, EMusic.com president and chief executive officer. "The EMusic Unlimited subscription service offers a legitimate alternative to tools like Napster by providing a compelling solution for both the music consumer and the music business."

EMusic Unlimited subscriptions are available starting at $9.99 per month (for a full-year commitment). Subscriptions include unlimited access to all of EMusic's tracks, a weekly e-mail guide written by EMusic's editors, access to exclusive MP3 tracks and events not available to non-subscribers, and priority technical support and customer service.

At the end of every quarter, EMusic will split the after-cost revenue from subscription fees with its artist and label partners, to be distributed based on the percentage of their music downloads during that time period.

"Subscription-based distribution is already a proven and successful method of generating revenue on the Internet," said Tony Brummel, founder of Victory Records, an EMusic partner-label based in Chicago. "To us, EMusic Unlimited means potential additional revenue for our artists and our label that is not being recognized today. We believe the promotional and marketing aspects of this service will develop new fans of our music, and in turn drive brick-and-mortar sales."