Online music store eMusic has ditched its subscription-only payment model in a bid to compete with the likes of iTunes and Amazon buy offering single music purchases.
Starting this week anyone will be able to visit eMusic.com and purchase songs or albums at a retail price without needing a subscription.
However, users who do have a subscription will still be able to login and purchase music at a discounted rate.
The website will maintain the same tools including personalised discovery tools and features.
Shoppers without a membership will be able to access the full catalogue of music from every major label and nearly all independent labels.
“For nearly 14 years, eMusic has been devoted to music collectors who support artists and labels by purchasing their albums. That’s why our base is comprised of culturally independent thinkers and music enthusiasts who are considered to be the tastemakers of the industry,” Klein said. “Although our focus on this audience hasn’t changed, our new business model is more inclusive and invites everyone to engage with what eMusic offers: insightful editorial that we curate independent of our sales division, and personalized discovery technology that draws upon the diverse tastes of our unique eMusic community.”
Until now, eMusic has operated by subscription only. For a regular, pre-paid amount each month, eMusic members could — and still can — download and own music at discounted prices. Now eMusic will open its doors to everyone, allowing music consumers to access its industry-leading personalized discovery tools and features, and its catalogue of songs from every major label and nearly all of the independent labels.
“We hope the new business model will encourage an even broader audience to become buyers of music and, ultimately, music collectors,” Klein said. “We also hope it makes eMusic easier than ever before for potential business partners to work with us.”
eMusic’s evolution signals its anticipated growth — and new opportunity — to current and prospective business partners.
“A number of major players have already taken interest in eMusic’s new business model, which is making the brand more flexible and easier to partner with than ever before,” Klein says. “We are in talks with potential partners in the OEM market, and also with wireless and cable operators, as well as big box retailers.”