Independent labels such as Domino, Merge and XL have withdrawn their back catalogues from download service eMusic.
In the era of instant downloading, independent labels face a bigger struggle than ever to stay afloat. Sure, piracy has affected the major labels but sadly it seems to be the little guys in the corner who are suffering the most.
Striking a deal with eMusic, labels such as Domino, XL and Matador arranged a download deal. However a shift in the service’s policy has led to an influx of major label talent, changing the way the service operates.
As a result, many independent labels have taken their music off eMusic. Releasing a statement, the service explained that they were shocked and disappointed by the decision the labels have taken.
“This is as heartbreaking to us as it is to you. Please know we have done everything we could to keep them from leaving. Forging deals with our label partners can be pretty complex. As many of you know, labels have come and gone over the years, and we hope to see these labels back soon.”
Meanwhile, Beggars Group – an umbrella grouping for several labels – released a statement outlining their reasons for the move. “We wish this hadn’t happened, but as eMusic has brought more major labels on board, they have changed the terms on which they deal with labels in certain ways, some of which we have found impossible to accept, in our own interests, those of our artists, and ultimately those of their fans.”
“We have loved eMusic, and the support it has given to our music, but it was the dedicated home for independent music and is, in our view, not that any more.”
According to their current chart, four of eMusic’s Top Ten downloads were released by labels under the protection of the Beggars Group.
