AIM signs deal for indie music download site
A major new digital download site committed to championing independent music was launched today.
The website - www.karmadownload.com - will feature new music from over 3,000 independent labels across the world, as well as a vast amount of quality unsigned music and exclusive downloads from across a wide range of musical genres.
Initial deals for the new service include agreements with the Association of Independent Music (AIM), The Orchard, Barfly and over 120 UK independent labels, providing repertoire from amongst others Ninja Tune, Finger Lickin, Bella Union and Lowlife Records as well as key European labels, such as Germany's !K7. In addition, two complimentary ventures, KarmaDownload Radio and KarmaDownload Sessions are currently being finalised for launch in the autumn.
As part of the UK based, privately owned Karma Music Group, which is committed to championing independent music, KarmaDownload.com has been in development for over a year and aims to provide a cutting edge alternative to existing download providers. By simplifying the search process through extensive genre and sub-genre categories, the service aims to target music enthusiasts with specialist knowledge of specific music areas/styles. Prices will start at 99p per track, reducing to 80p if a customer purchases four or more titles, Albums start at A36.00 and free samples are available of every track on the site. Multiple track purchases will start from 80p for 4 titles or more. All downloads are in MP3 format and can be used with all MP3 compatible media players and portable devices.
Signed acts will be presented side by side with an extended section offering unsigned artists, producers and bands a platform to showcase their material and allow fans to access new material digitally. New music will be added to the site on a daily basis, with each act being given an updateable section to include biographies, gig dates and web links. All unsigned acts will have a 30-day opt out clause so that artists are not restricted for lengthy periods in signing to the new service.
Jamie Estrin, managing director of Karma Music Group added: ". The vision for this platform is to be more than just a shop. We wanted to present a destination point where music fans can discover and buy into the latest acts within their favourite music scene, from grass roots through to signed acts. We have access to over 3,000 Independent labels and thousands of new artists across the world. In addition, we have already built a catalogue of over 500 quality unsigned artists, which will be constantly expanded and updated."
As part of their deal with Barfly, KarmaDownload will be offering exclusive monthly downloads, including "Best of Barfly" which will feature the best new acts playing Barfly venues at =A34.50 for the 10 track compilation and "Barfly Unsigned", featuring the hottest Unsigned bands who have played Barfly venues each month (at =A33.50 per compilation). More exclusive material and compilations are planned over the coming months.
Plans to extend the service also include the cration of KarmaDownload Radio 96, a 24-hour online radio station with different genre channels, which will allow free access to all the latest releases and recommended tracks available on the site. KarmaDownload Sessions will also be launched allowing consumers to access live performances by a wide range of signed and unsigned bands.
(Source: http://www.sound-check.net/editorial/news149.htm)
