Universal Releasing More Music On USB

UMG Plans USB Use

UNIVERSAL MUSIC is planning to release singles on USB memory sticks, as part of a strategy to stem falling music sales, writes U.K.'s USB-CORE. The USB singles will be available from OCTOBER 29th, priced at around £4.99, significantly more than a typical £2.99 CD single.

However, USB provides extra storage capacity, and fans will gain videos and other multimedia with the higher-priced format. The first USB releases will include singles from piano rock band KEANE and PUSSYCAT DOLLS’ NICOLE.

UNIVERSAL is targeting the 12-24 age group, who are looking for an alternative to CDs, which have been around for quite some time now. Sales of CDs fell 19% in the U.S. and 10% in the U.K, in the first half of the year.

UNIVERSAL is testing the USB format market in the U.K., prior to the planned release of USB albums. "Back To Black" by AMY WINEHOUSE and KANYE WEST’s "Graduation" should be available on USB before the end of the year.

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