(UPDATED) An upstart digital distributor that made a name for itself by criticizing the major labels has now joined hands with one. TuneCore has entered into a strategic alliance with Universal Music Distribution, the sales and marketing arm of the Universal Music Group.
TuneCore will host distribution portals for UMG's labels as well as partner labels and artists. As an artist develops, they'll have access to a number of artist discovery, marketing and upstreaming opportunities within the UMGD system.
Last year Universal made a major investment in digital distributor INgrooves in part to be able to use its technology. These moves appear designed to give the major label group greater involvement with a larger piece of the growing long tail of artists in their early stages. Whether Universal made an investment here is unclear, but according to Tunecore neither party will be taking rights or revenues from participating artists.
UMGD will also provide TuneCore's customers with a menu of artist services, including licensing opportunities and professional audio mastering. Additionally, Guitar Center, also a TuneCore investor and strategic partner, will provide to UMGD access to its entire chain of over 200 nationwide as a non-traditional retail channel for the sale of physical product which includes select TuneCore Artist titles.
The usually fiercely independent CEO of Tunecore Jeff Price has nothing but praise for Universal.
"Honestly, Universal is one of the most forward thinking record labels on the planet," commented Price. "With this deal UMGD has truly changed the rules and the major label model by providing true choice for a musician. If an artist is doing well, there is a direct line through which UMGD can extend its hand or, via the existing TuneCore model, the artist can choose to continue to succeed on their own. It is the continuation of the shift to serve the musician."
Tunecore's deal also follows close on the heels of IODA's pact last week with Sony RED, and leaves The Orchard as the only signifigant digital distribution company without any ties to a major label gorup.
