Songs from Europe’s independent record labels will be available on Apple’s iTunes download service after a deal resolved a dispute between the sides.
Songs by artists like The White Stripes and Franz Ferdinand – who are signed to indie labels – were not available at iTunes’ European launch in June.
The labels complained they were being dictated unreasonable terms by Apple.
But the Association of Indie Music (Aim) has secured terms it says are “on a par with those agreed by the majors”.
Aim chairman Alison Wenham said: “The industry’s future is wedded to the success of iTunes and similar services.
‘Leading acts’
“It’s great news for fans and industry alike that music from some of Europe’s leading acts will soon be available on this service.”
When iTunes launched, some independent labels said Apple started negotiations too late and wanted to lock them into deals that could not be changed for three years.
Aim said labels including Beggars Group, XL and Sanctuary has already signed with iTunes.
“Several hundred labels across Europe are expected to sign the agreement in the near future, bringing many of the world’s most exciting acts to the service,” a statement said.
Aim said it could not reveal details of the deal, but there was now a standard contract for independent labels to use.
“Terms have now been offered by iTunes that address the independents’ concerns fully,” the statement said.
