Epitaph are the latest indie label to end its relationship with independent download platform eMusic. Like a handful of other indies, including Victory Records, Epitaph are reportedly unhappy with eMusic's pricing system which means that tracks bought by those on a higher level eMusic subscription package go for substantially less than the standard 99 cents per track price point established by iTunes.
eMusic chief David Pakman confirmed the Epitaph catalogue would disappear from his download platform in his blog, writing: "The much-admired Epitaph record label - including the Anti and Hellcat labels - has chosen to no longer sell their catalogue on eMusic in the US". But he again set out the case for the eMusic pricing model, explaining: "At a time when the music industry is in such steep decline, our research and experience shows us that consumers are still willing to buy music, provided the value is right. And 99-cents a song is not an acceptable price point for all consumers".