Pays Artists

PlayLouder to Launch U.K. ISP That Lets Users Share Files, Pays Artists

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 27, 2003 - 10:06am.

London -- PlayLouder, a U.K.-based online music site, on Monday announced the upcoming launch of a new broadband Internet access service that includes fees paid to copyright holders for the ability to freely stream and download music from other subscribers. PlayLouder has secured license agreements with MCPS-PRS, the licensing body that collects royalties on behalf of all U.K. music publishers, as well as with European independent record companies including XL Recordings, Beggars Group, V2 Music, PIAS Recordings and Ninja Tune. The service will let users freely trade songs from artists including the White Stripes, Pixies, Interpol and Underworld; the company said it is also negotiating with major record labels for inclusion. U.K. ISP Bulldog Communications is providing fulfillment for the broadband access service, which is scheduled to begin testing in November with an official launch slated for the first quarter of 2004.