EMI reportedly contemplating DRM-free music

While it's unclear what role, if any, Steve Jobs' recent manifesto on the subject may have played in the decision, The Wall Street Journal has apparently gotten word that number-three music company EMI is currently in talks with a number of online retailers about the possibility of selling its music as DRM-free MP3s. Exactly which online retailers, however, is unclear, with the Journal (via the Chicago Sun-Times) reporting only that EMI is asking them to submit proposals by Thursday detailing how big an advance payment they'd be willing to offer in exchange for the right to sell their music without DRM. The Journal also added that "several major music companies" have also recently "floated the idea" of doing away with DRM, but none had apparently gone as far as EMI. As the Sun Times points out, EMI has already dipped its toes into DRM-free territory, selling a number of singles without copy-protection for a buck apiece. Should a deal actually come out of this latest development, however, the doors could soon be blown open to cover EMI's entire catalog, including both Duran Duran and Iron Maiden.

[Via Slashdot]

[Jypson @ Feb 9th 2007 5:41PM]

I think they're finally getting the picture. Hopefully the movie studios are watching closely.

[Aron Trimble @ Feb 9th 2007 6:01PM]

Doesn't EMI own Apple records? Wouldn't it be great if a DRM-free Beatles catalog popped up in iTunes?

[shaun @ Feb 9th 2007 6:46PM]

Now if they would make the price per song a more reasonable $0.25 I might actually buy some music instead of waiting to hear it on the radio.

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Feb 9th 2007 7:21PM]

That's why labels are destined to extinction.

Carefully read all the coverage of EMI rumors - lots of comments leaked to net - and try to find *single* mention of artists' opinion.

[Giando @ Feb 10th 2007 12:28PM]

Article in italian
http://www.bloggiando.com/la-emi-vendera-mp3-su-internet-senza-drm/20070210


http://www.bloggiando.com/
BlogGiando

[tekdroid @ Feb 10th 2007 5:29PM]

DRM-free MP3s.
So we're back to paying CD-prices for sub-par lossy files again? GREAT value.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_data_compression
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FLAC

[LJKelley @ Feb 10th 2007 6:09PM]

I but mostly CD's but sometimes I download hard to find stuff, or digital only singles. I hope these deals go thru as my Favourite artist Kylie Minogue is signed to Parlophone which is owned by EMI :) I just hate the restrictions of DRM, and I think more consumers will opt to buy music that doesn't have restrictions with how they play their music.

http://www.startblue.net

[Curt @ Feb 10th 2007 11:04PM]

Now is the time to Vote with your dollars...

[Christopher @ Feb 12th 2007 5:04PM]

I first read this in the Journal. I thought it couldnt be true, b/c I would have read it first on Engadget.

I cant believe you let a newspaper beat you to something this good.