Music giant tunes up internet marketing

LONDON - One of the world's biggest record companies, EMI, is stepping up the pace of the internet music revolution by making albums and singles by artists such as Frank Sinatra and the Spice Girls available for download.

The release of 100 albums and 40 singles by leading artists is the largest such release in what is being seen as a major test for the future of the industry.

The move comes amid the rise of online music providers such as Napster, which allow fans to obtain music free by trading computer files.

It is a major headache for record companies and the artists themselves, who will struggle to make profits when royalties are hit by the music pirating sites.

The new system allows music fans to order the releases through major online retailers, though the prices are likely to be similar to those of CDs.

EMI's decision ties in with the launch yesterday of the new Windows Media Player 7, but the music will later be offered in other formats. The tracks are featured at windowsmedia.com and for six weeks fans can enjoy 30-second previews.

Other performers whose work will be downloadable include Blondie, Pink Floyd, Smashing Pumpkins, Tina Turner and Bonnie Raitt.

- NZPA