Date: 01-28-2008
CBS Corporation’s Last.fm has launched a new, first of its kind service that will allow consumers to listen to music on its site for free. Last.fm has partnered with all four major record labels — Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, Warner Music, and EMI — as well as CD Baby, IODA, the Orchard, Naxos, and more than 150,000 independent labels and artists. The advertising-supported music offerings can be streamed for free up to three times each. Last.fm also gives the option to purchase the song via any of its affiliate partners including iTunes, Amazon, and 7 Digital. Additionally, Last.fm is providing a chance for unsigned artists to make money by paying them whenever their tracks are being played. “It’s a whole different model — one that benefits the artists, labels, and advertisers — but most of all the listeners,” said Felix Miller, co-founder of Last.fm. The new service has been made live in the U.S., UK, and Germany.
