Anyone wanting to download that chart topping Eric Prydz track wouldn't be able to use iTunes because, three months after its launch in the UK, Apple's download service is still not on talking terms with the whole UK independent sector. The Association of Independent Music last week told CMU that, while most independents had now reached agreements with iTunes, they were having great trouble getting the paperwork finalised because iTunes keep ignoring their calls.
Lohan Presencer, MD of Ministry of Sound, says: "It's immensely frustrating that we are unable to gain access to this exciting new marketplace, especially as we suspect that demand from iTunes customers for our releases would be considerable".
Domino's Harry Martin adds: "It's true, there is no Franz Ferdinand music currently available on iTunes. It's simply bewildering that a company that is perceived as championing this new technology doesn't make it a priority to align itself with record labels in the independent sector that are championing new music. You would think we would be natural partners for each other."
Jeremy Lascelles, CEO Chrysalis Music Division tells us: "I find Apple's approach and attitude to the independents perplexing. By their own admission they are seriously under-resourced in terms of the relatively simple task of finalising the paperwork (all the terms of which are already agreed) with a whole host of independent labels, but they don't appear to be willing to create those resources. In the meantime there are gaping holes in the repertoire that is available on iTunes, which must adversely affect their claim to be the leading digital download service, and they seem to be applying no urgency to solve this straightforward problem."
Apple are yet to respond to the independents' complaints.