Motorola Debuts Pre-Release Deal With Sony BMG

[Ronny83]

Motorola Debuts Pre-Release Deal With Sony BMG

 

October 3, 2006

 

The deal between J/Arista Records and Motorola's iRadio service to "leak" albums early debuted this week with the new record by R&B singer Monica. As part of the new initiative, J Records leaked songs from Monica's new album, The Makings Of Me, via Motorola mobile handsets on Monday, the day before it was released in stores. Users could hear tracks from the new CD on iRadio's Sony BMG music channel, which is featured at the top of the iRadio deck. This marks the first time a label has pre-released an album to a cell phone music service.

 

"The growth in mobile services, from ringtones to Motorola's iRadio, is astounding and continues to provide groundbreaking opportunities that benefit our artists and super serve their fans," said Tom Corson, EVP/GM of J/Arista Records. Motorola's Dave Ulmer added, "Today marks a tipping point for the future of artist and fan communities. Sony BMG has taken a historic step forward in bringing their artists directly into the mobile lives, and pockets, of their most loyal fans. Motorola iRadio brings labels, artists, and fans together like never before - in a seamless and secure manner."

 

Additional mobile leaks featuring J/Arista artists are being planned for the future. As previously reported, Motorola's iRadio service offers 600 channels of music and talk and it allows listeners to transfer downloadable, Internet radio programming from one location to the next via Bluetooth technology. Warner Music Group and Universal also have inked deals to provide music to iRadio.