Full track music downloads from The Orchard's catalog to be distributed on Ericsson's network

Jan 22, 2007 09:42 GMT  ·  By

At the MIDEM global music conference, Ericsson and The Orchard announced a global agreement to distribute full track downloads and master tones from The Orchard's independent labels across Ericsson's global network. The agreement covers all major territories outside the U.S.

The Orchard is a digital distributor and marketer of independent music, with a catalogue of more than one million tracks representing 73 countries, thousands of labels, and every music genre. This contract enables Ericsson to offer an expanded music offering to operators and their subscribers, including tracks from established artists such as Green Day, Coldplay and Ray Charles, as well as emerging acts like The Hold Steady.

The Orchard's catalog will be included in the content offerings connected to Ericsson's hosted white-label music service. This service makes it possible for operators and content providers to focus on their core business while Ericsson manages the end-to-end platform. Consumers can choose from an entire catalog of tracks and downloads available and pay for the chosen content via their mobile phone bill.

"Increasingly, the leading technology companies and digital retailers worldwide appreciate the critical role independent music plays in the viability of their products, and more broadly, as the lifeblood that feeds the music industry," said Greg Scholl, chief executive of The Orchard. "Our agreement with Ericsson ensures that our artists and labels can reach a global audience throughout Ericsson's extensive mobile network. We look forward to working as a close marketing partner with Ericsson to sell great independent music, and increase the opportunities available to our respective customers worldwide."