Independent music download platform eMusic - you know, the digital music firm who make music available in the user friendly MP3 format - has announced a new three-tiered subscription programme which includes two new options which involve larger numbers of tracks than before. An eMusic subscription allows you to permanently download a set number of tracks per month. In the past that's been 90 tracks, but, due to popular demand seemingly, premium subscription packages with more downloads will now be available. I only have the US prices - but they give an indication - the new packages will cost $24.99 for 100 downloads, $49.99 for 200 and $74.99 for 300.
Commenting on the new packages, eMusic boss David Pakman told CMU: "At a time when the music industry is shrinking and major record labels are struggling to improve their bottom line with digital sales, eMusic's customers are ready to legally buy even more music. Our customers have told us that the 90 downloads a month in our highest plan are just not enough. They're passionate about discovering music, our subscription plans allow them to explore our vast catalogue of 2+ million tracks, and the MP3 format give them the freedom to play their music on every digital music device on the market. It's proof that when you make it easy for people to discover and buy new music, they want to buy more of it."
Elsewhere in eMusic news, HitsDailyDouble reports that both London based aggregator Vital:PIAS Digital and US independent Victory Records have recently pulled their catalogues from the indie music service - seemingly over pricing concerns, possibly in relation to these new subscription packages. They also say that previously reported gossiping that eMusic may be sold continues, with Google and Amazon both been named as possible buyers.