Peer-to-Peer: New MusicCity.com Gives Artists and Labels Control
Reprinted from a StreamCast Networks/PRNewswire press release:
FRANKLIN, Tenn., March 14 /PRNewswire/ — StreamCast Networks(TM), a peer-to-peer (P2P) technology company and the maker of Morpheus(TM), today announces the new MusicCity.com (http://www.musiccity.com/), a music portal where the price and distribution of digitally-wrapped content is controlled by independent artists. The feature-rich site allows consumers to access information about independent artists and their music like never before. Content to be distributed through the Morpheus User Network both compensates artists and sets a new standard for Digital Rights Management technology.
MusicCity.com gives artists a worldwide distribution channel powered by the Morpheus(TM) User Network, the most popular P2P software with more than 73 million downloads and an average of 4.5 million unique users per day, according to CNET’s download.com. StreamCast’s innovative digital wrapping technology, CintoA, or Content Into Application, allows content owners to set rules regarding the use of their content, such as designating the length of a sample or limiting the number of free listens before requiring purchase. CintoA wraps and secures the content files, which become application files that run on Morpheus, supporting a wide array of business models for artists and software owners alike direct to customers.
Access to Great Independent Artists
MusicCity.com and CDBaby, second only to Amazon.com as the largest e-tailer of independent compact discs, have signed a distribution agreement that enables CDBaby’s network of more than 17,000 artists to distribute their work to a larger network of listeners. Other content will be provided by digital music icon Thomas Dolby including award-winning songwriters such as Regie Hamm and Melissa Ferrick, independent artists including Debutante, Famous, Grant Lee Phillips, and Yankee Grey, as well as Chroma and Lisa Ellis from the Music From Ground Zero compilation CD, which benefits the victims of the September 11 tragedy. The opportunity for exposure and the profitable distribution model will also attract new and undiscovered talent as the network grows.
MusicCity.com Features
An easy-to-use yet powerful interface enables MusicCity.com users to search for music by artist, title, genre, and “sounds like,” which searches phonetically for a match, even if the entry is misspelled. Consumers can then download the music via Morpheus User play within the Morpheus application. Consumers can listen to digitally wrapped music according to the rules set by the artist and download songs complete with liner notes and album artwork for a low price. Songs may be played directly inside the Morpheus Player. Customers can buy concert tickets, musical equipment, and band and MusicCity.com merchandise. The site’s features also benefit the artist, such as valuable feedback through ratings charts and contests for best music; tips on songwriting, recording, and protecting digital rights; information on submitting content; and frequently asked questions about the industry.
Availability
MusicCity.com will be available today to provide consumers and artists with information about the site and its features. The street date for CintoA wrapped content is April, 2002. Artists who would like to submit their work can go to the MusicCity.com website.