Seattle, Wash.-based Loudeye has announced a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Sony Music Entertainment for streamed sound samples.
Loudeye provides services and infrastructure for the authorized delivery of digital content. Under the agreement, Sony Music has authorized Loudeye to offer streaming samples from Sony Music releases, as well as thumbnail images of front-cover album artwork, through online retail web sites. The agreement encompasses samples from Sony Music’s entire active U.S. catalog, including releases from Columbia Records Group, Epic Records Group, Legacy, and Sony Classical. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We see streaming music samples as an important means of maximizing exposure for our artists and titles, particularly when coupled with a prominent ‘buy now’ opportunity at Internet retail sites,” commented Jim McDermott, senior vice president, new technology, Sony Music Entertainment.