American independent download store eMusic have entered a partnership with the UK's Association Of Independent Music which will add some 10,000 new artists to the service's catalogue. eMusic, which specialises in music from independent artists and labels, offers an interesting hybrid between the subscription and pay-to-download model, offering subscribers the chance to download up to 40 tracks for a $10 a month subscription. The tracks are delivered as un-DRMed MP3, meaning users can use the tracks on any digital music player, including the iPod.
Confirming the new deal with AIM, eMusic boss David Pakman told CMU: "Perhaps no other music community is as dedicated to the nurturing and success of independent music than the UK's AIM. Offering AIM's affiliated labels to our subscribers is an essential part of our global expansion strategy. We are extremely excited to partner with AIM and their outstanding roster of labels and artists as they bring exceptional depth and diversity to the eMusic catalog."
eMusic will be among the many many many digital music companies represented at AIM's forthcoming Digital & Distribution Day, which takes place in London a week today (28 Sep). Attendance to that event is free for AIM members, and £50 per person for non-members. Contact [email protected] for more information, with Distribution & Digital Day in the subject line.