MySpace Music Launch Looming; EMI Joining?

MySpace Music Coming Soon

MYSPACE is readying the final preparations for its music store launch, which is expected to go live sometime this week, reports DAILYTECH.COM. MYSPACE will launch its own MYSPACE MUSIC store, which was originally planned to launch on MONDAY, later this week. The new MYSPACE store has the support of SONY BMG, UNIVERSAL, WARNER MUSIC GROUP and other record labels are expected to enter the mix.

Unlike APPLE iTUNES, AMAZON and other popular music vendors, MYSPACE MUSIC's design allows all purchased music to be shared through MYSPACE pages and other playlists. MYSPACE has more than 120 million users and at least five million bands promote their music through the site, yet iTUNES remains the dominant online music store. MYSPACE MUSIC will offer free streaming music that can be added to playlists and embedded into profiles, while unprotected mp3 downloads will also be available.

In addition to music downloads, MYSPACE hopes to cash in by helping sell concert tickets, cell phone ringtones, T-shirts and DVDs, and other merchandise offered by bands.

Will EMI Be Part Of The Start-up?

EMI GROUP is close to joining the three other large recording companies in backing the upcoming MYSPACE MUSIC service, reports EJC.NET. EMI and MYSPACE representatives were "trying to jump some final hurdles," according to one of the sources, adding that the companies could finalize a deal in time for the launch of MYSPACE's new ITUNES competitor. An EMI spokeswoman said only that the "companies were in talks."

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