Today at the MIDEM global music conference, Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERICY) and The Orchard announce a global agreement to distribute full track downloads and master tones from The Orchard's independent labels across Ericsson's global network. The agreement covers all major territories outside the U.S.
The Orchard is the world's leading digital distributor and marketer of independent music, with a catalogue of more than one million tracks representing 73 countries, thousands of labels, and every music genre. This contract enables Ericsson to offer an expanded music offering to operators and their subscribers, including tracks from established artists such as Green Day, Coldplay, and Ray Charles, as well as emerging acts like The Hold Steady.
The Orchard's catalog will be included in the content offerings connected to Ericsson's hosted white-label music service. This service makes it possible for operators and content providers to focus on their core business while Ericsson manages the end-to-end platform, complete with the latest and most compelling content. Consumers can choose from an entire catalog of tracks and downloads available and pay for the chosen content via their mobile phone bill.
Claes Ödman, Vice President, Multimedia Solutions at Ericsson, says, "This partnership enables Ericsson to distribute music from thousands of independent labels. Ericsson strives to offer operators and their subscribers a great music experience and we are delighted to have signed this contract with The Orchard since it will both broaden and deepen our content catalog."
Greg Scholl, chief executive of The Orchard, says, "Increasingly, the leading technology companies and digital retailers worldwide appreciate the critical role independent music plays in the viability of their products, and more broadly, as the lifeblood that feeds the music industry. Our agreement with Ericsson ensures that our artists and labels can reach a global audience throughout Ericsson's extensive mobile network. We look forward to working as a close marketing partner with Ericsson to sell great independent music, and increase the opportunities available to our respective customers worldwide."
