Independent Label Reports Loving iTunes Music Store, Ready To Sign

by , 3:00 PM EDT, June 6th, 2003

CD Baby has publicly said that it's ready to sign with Apple to be a part of the iTunes Music Store (iMS). CD Baby is technically a record store, but it deals with independent musicians, effectively making it a sort of label. The company provides an avenue for independent musicians who do their own pressings to be able to commercially sell their music, and the company purports to have an artist-friendly business model.

Apple offered a presentation to independent labels on the iMS yesterday in Cupertino, suggesting the company wished to expand the iMS to offer independent music, instead of just offering music from the Big Five major labels. At least one such source of independent music is ready to go. From a note posted by CD Baby:

Went to a private briefing at Apple's office yesterday about how the Apple iTunes Music Store will be able to work with independent labels.

It's perfect. It's amazing. It's a winner. And I'm totally behind it.

They'll be sending a contract with more details, but I just wanted to give the sneak preview that everything I saw is VERY artist-friendly.

I'll update this page, to let everyone know more when I can. Keep this page bookmarked for future news on this subject.

And yes, sorry, there used to be more details here. I didn't realize yesterday's presentation was supposed to be confidential. When I found out, I pulled the details. Honest mistake.

As of press time, TMO was unable to reach anyone at CD Baby. You can find more information about the company, its history, and its business at CD Baby's Web site.

The Mac Observer Spin:

The good news just keeps pouring in regarding the iMS. With CD Baby's business model, the company could effectively act as a clearing house for independent musicians to get on the iMS. See our extended commentary on the long-term importance and value of independent labels and musicians to the iMS for more information. We frankly expect the majority of independent labels to be excited about the iMS, and more news of this nature should will hopefully be forthcoming.

CD Baby