Universal Music Group has a plan to provide unique digital solutions that help record labels and artists easily sell and promote content directly to fans. Their distribution group has just signed with Echospin for direct-to-fan sales and promotions from their artist websites. The two companies say it’s the first time that a major music company has empowered its entire roster of artists to sell digital, physical and mobile goods from a single location. The announcement was made on August 25, by Jim Urie, President & CEO of UMGD, and Jon Lowy and Damian Manning, Co-Founders of Echospin.
PRNewswire reported on August 25, 2009 that Echospin, founded in 2003, is a technology company whose pioneering solutions enable entertainment companies to sell and promote digital, physical and mobile goods directly to fans. Echospin’s partners include Universal Music Group, Atlantic Records, Epic Records, Razor & Tie Entertainment, National Geographic, and many others.
According to Jim Urie:
“Echospin has created a market leading commerce and media delivery platform that facilitates the sale and promotion of digital, physical and mobile products all in one shot. It will provide our artists with unmatched opportunity and reach in the marketplace. As UMGD continues to expand and lead the industry in direct-to-fan initiatives, this agreement with Echospin will provide our artists and labels with more flexibility on how they distribute their music, while providing fans much easier access to a broad variety of content from the artists they are passionate about.”
“UMGD is committed to building closer relationships between artists and their fans. We’re thrilled they chose Echospin to be their partner in this unique opportunity,” commented Mr. Lowy.
“It’s exciting to see the world’s leading artists using our solutions to provide fans with the effortless and rewarding experiences they deserve,” added Mr. Manning.
One example of the new platform is the 3 Doors Down “Ultimate Fan Pack,” an Echospin-powered exclusive offer, which includes re-mastered CDs, a re-mastered vinyl LP, a poster, a special autographed “early entry pass,” T-shirt and an instant download of the re-mastered “Kryptonite” MP3 single.
This partnership between UMGD and Echospin is another example of how Universal Music is trying to keep in tune with the ever-changing music world.
Personally, I look forward to an Ultimate Fan Pack for Clay Aiken. Do you think we will get one with the new album?