iTunes/Pure Play deal

Apple has signed a deal which should see over 1.5 million new songs added to the iTunes Store, reports say. The company has forged an agreement with Pure Play Music, a site which specializes in hosting artists that are otherwise unsigned. The site currently lists a roster of over 6,000 artists from around the world, who operate under a set of non-exclusive rights agreements.

Pure Play is expected to have a space of some prominence at the iTunes Store, with its own drop-down category on the front page. Links associated with each artist should direct visitors to a profile on Pure Play's website.

The deal is said to be significant, as while iTunes has long hosted tracks from independent labels such as Kranky and Sub Pop, unsigned artists have not had any means of getting their works sold. Pure Play says it has also recently made agreements with Amazon, eMusic and Napster.

by MacNN Staff