Puretracks.com breaks ground with launch of First DRM-Free Digital Music Catalogue

By
Dave Forde
– February 21, 2007Posted in: Features

Earlier this week we heard about satellite radio’s attempt to keep the business model alive with the merger between rivals Sirus Radio & XM Radio. Chances are it is a bit too little too late, so what will be the new business model for music lovers? Purtracks.com is looking to come to the rescue with the first large North American digital music store to launch a collection of unrestricted MP3s, without digital rights management (DRM). According to President and CEO Alistair Mitchell, the new offering is in response to customers and many of the their label partners which include Nettwerk Music Group, Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA), Begger’s Banquet, and Arts& Crafts, to give users full access to songs by The Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Broken Social Scene, and many other artists. Unfortunately MAC users are left out in the cold, for now – according to the message that pops up when you visit the site – www.Puretracks.com

To kick off the launch, Puretracks will be giving all users registered for its online newsletter a free MP3 download of the new Barenaked LadiesPuretracks single Sound Of Voice. (1) Music fans will be able to play the track on their computers, phones, MP3 players and any other digital music players including iPods.  To date Puretracks has 50,000 titles which are priced at .79 cents per song.

Mark Cuban who’s often known for not being shy to share his opinion, especially when it is around entertainment related services called for the “Creation of an itunes competitor that is a joint initiative open to all music companies and independent artists , supported by the Big 4 and funded by a private equity group.”

The on online music business may just be getting started…

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About Dave Forde

Founder of Profectio and PR In Canada, as well he produces a number of events including Toronto Tech Week. Follow Dave on Twitter.