April 29, 2024

Amazon in Talks to Launch Streaming Music Service for Prime Members?

Posted February 28, 2014 at 7:32am by iClarified · 7512 views
Amazon is reportedly in talks with music labels about launching a streaming music service for Amazon Prime members. The company already offers a free video streaming service to program members.

According to Re/code, the company is currently engaged in serious talks with big music labels.

One label source reports that Amazon isn’t close to getting a deal done, because its executives are asking for a substantial discount on the pricing the labels have given to other services, like Spotify, Rhapsody and Beats. Still, label talks have been going on for the past few months, sources say.

Amazon Prime costs $79 per year and offers free two day shipping on many store items. Adding a free music streaming service to the membership's perks would likely result in more signups and more sales. However, these additional features are already making the company consider an increase of as much as $40/year for Prime.

Re/code notes that Amazon has hired numerous music industry executives of late, including: Michael Paull, a Sony music executive, Drew Denbo, who was responsible for business development at Rhapsody and MOG, and Adam Parness, who handled licensing for Rhapsody.

More details in the full report linked below...

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