So, gold stars all round to anyone who noticed that the story we ran yesterday re Musicbrigade was rather similar to a story we ran back in August. No, the digital aggregator didn't enter into the same deal with EMI for a second time in the space of a few months, we (well, I really) got stories from our Music Bridge file muddled up in a short moment of utter incompetence. Ah well, it was a good story, probably deserved telling twice.
This, however, is a brand new deal, promise. Musicbrigade has announced a new agreement with MSN which will see the aggregator become the official provider of music videos from EMI (remember that EMI deal? See, it was a useful refresher) and thousands of indie labels for MSN's platforms in the UK and France. They will provide MSN's new expanded ad funded music video service, as well as still providing content for MSN's ad free subscription service and a sell through video download service.
Confirming the deal, MSN's Head of Portal Business Management, Justin Dewhirst, told CMU: "We're really excited about the deal and hope that our users enjoy the exclusive access to cutting-edge and exclusive music videos from the major artists involved. We're putting a lot of energy into working with partners to develop and program compelling new digital media and entertainment-related properties to improve the user experience. It's great for advertisers too, giving them the chance to associate their brand with some great names and target their advertising to sit alongside relevant content."
Musicbrigade's Ludvig Yttergren added: "This is a great opportunity for Musicbrigade to access a major new market opening up in Europe, namely advertising funded video streaming. MSN are a market leader and key innovator in this area and are an excellent partner for Musicbrigade and underscores our position as the leading innovator in online music video in Europe today."