Warner music UK partners with We7 to offer on-demand ad-funded streaming and paid for MP3 downloads
Warner Music UK and We7, the pioneering ad-funded music service, today announced that music from Warner Music's world class repertoire will be available on We7.com through both on-demand, ad-funded audio streaming and paid-for MP3 downloads. The deal sees Warner Music UK become the first major music company to offer MP3s via the We7 platform.
Under the agreement, We7 users will be able to listen to full tracks and albums on an unlimited basis at no cost, and also create playlists, share their favourites and embed songs into their personal webspace. We7's advertising technology plays short, targeted audio adverts before each streamed track.
We7's on-demand music player is integrated with We7's download store, making it quick and easy for visitors to purchase tracks by Warner Music artists in the MP3 format, which is compatible with virtually any digital music device. As part of the agreement, the two companies will provide a range of value-added digital products such as album bundles with additional tracks, videos and interactive booklets. We7 plans to start delivering Warner Music's content before the end of October.
John Reid, President, Warner Music Europe, said: "We continue to pioneer and develop new ways to enjoy music and we are delighted to be working with a service as flexible and progressive as We7. This innovative partnership brings together two increasingly popular modes of consumption, ad-supported streaming and MP3 downloads, to create a rich, versatile digital music experience that will monetise a broad spectrum of consumer behaviour. By empowering music fans to discover more music, whilst encouraging them to purchase new and exciting digital products, we are providing our artists with a potent means to expand their following and deepen the relationship with their fans."
Steve Purdham, Founder Investor and CEO, We7, said: "Recently there has been a lot of focus on piracy, but this deal is reflective of the radically changing digital landscape where music fans can access high quality, safe and legal alternatives. We're very excited to be partnering with Warner Music and are looking forward to offering first-class content from their impressive roster of local and international acts on We7.com, where music fans get great music for 'free' that they can listen to when they want, and the choice to buy the music they love".
For more information
Warner Music International
James Steven
Tel: 020 7368 2572
Email: james.steven@warnermusic.com
We7
Jaz Cummins
Tel: 020 7520 9533
Email: jaz.cummins@shinyred.co.uk
About We7
We7 is the first free and legal service of its kind in Europe delivering music in the way consumers want it. The service works by 'grafting' short and relevant ads onto the start of music tracks based on micro-targeted consumer's demographics such as location, age and gender. The advertising attached to the music will ensure that artists receive royalties for making their songs available, whilst consumers will receive streamed music legitimately free of charge. We7 began streaming content from Sony BMG in April 2008, and was shortlisted for the 2008 Music Week Digital Achievement Award.
About Warner Music International
Warner Music International (WMI) is Warner Music Group's global (ex-U.S.) recorded music division that markets and distributes WMG's world-class roster of U.S. and international recording artists through a network of affiliates and licensees in more than 50 countries. With a commitment to developing local talent as well as marketing international superstars, WMI leverages its expertise in each region around the world to attract and cultivate a diverse international artist roster. WMG is a pioneer in delivering music content in new and exciting ways, with a track record of 'firsts' in the digital space.