Mobile Music Still The Drawcard

Despite a shift in the focus from mobile music to mobile video operators are still signing up labels to sell their music, and trumpeting exclusive deals with hot artists as a drawcard for consumers.
3UK has signed a deal with Sony BMG which will mean the operators customers can “access all artists on Sony BMG UK’s roster, including Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears, Usher, Charlotte Church and Oasis”. Sony BMG represents 1,000 artists worldwide, so having access to all the artists is pretty impressive…I wonder if it’s all the songs as well? This follows a recent deal between 3 Ireland and EMI. The company also signed an 18-month exclusive with Robbie Williams. In fact, it’s lastest ad campaign is based on Dirty Music
GorillazVirgin Mobile has scored the latest Gorillaz platinum album, Demon Days, for its First Dibs program. “Through September 30, 2005, only Virgin Mobile customers can download Superphonic (a.k.a., real music) ringtones based on tracks from Demon Days, including “DARE,” “Every Planet We Reach Is Dead,” “Don’t Get Lost in Heaven,” and “White Light.” Those who download “DARE” and “19-2000″ ringtones are also in for a special treat. A portion of the video from these tracks will play whenever their phones ring – marking the first time the Gorillaz have ever offered an animated ringtone worldwide. Finally, this just wouldn’t be a complete Gorillaz wireless offer without wallpapers. Each band member’s signature graphic is also available for download on Virgin Mobile phones.”
And on the continent, German mobile operator E-Plus, a subsidiary of Dutch telco KPN, has agreed a co-operation with music and entertainment channel Viva, an MTV Networks broadcaster in Germany. Starting this autumn, Viva is to market tailor-made mobile services for its core youth audience under its own brand.

Comments have been disabled for this post