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Will Spotify Ocean Jump Without Labels On Deck?

image from www.simplyzesty.com Reports are coming in that Spotify is considering an ocean jump – achieving its late December launch – without all of the major labels on deck. With music from just two or three of the four major labels, they're thinking about pressing on, perhaps, in hopes that once inside the states, their mass appeal will garner them added favor from the remaining, holdout labels.

This is, of course, a risky move, if attempted, because with the diminished catalog size – lacking artists – may turn away curious fans.

Awhile back, Anthony Volodkin of HypeMachine referred to this effect as the inevitable minefield of music subscription services. His thoughts were that when new fans try out a service, they will plug their favorite bands into a site and if any of them are missing, they'll likely pass on the music site, regarding it as inferior.

Like a minefield, this strategy could blow up in Spotify's face. Wiill they jump the ocean? Or are they more likely to hold out, stay true to their plans?

via FT

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13 Comments

  1. I have a feeling that only Spotify Premium will make its way to the US, which deflates the buzz around the brand since MOG and Rhapsody offer the same features.

  2. @A.J. Crew
    I’m not sure that is what David is asking. Off-line mode allows you to play their streaming catalogue while you have no internet access.
    You can also save playlists and use your local library through Spotify but you can not stream your own library.
    @David
    Pretty sure there are services out there that let you upload and stream your own MP3’s. Are ITunes not doing it themselves?

  3. I think they stated some where that they did not want to start anywhere without their free advert based service.
    Can’t give a link to prove it though sorry.

  4. I would really like to see Spotify hit the states. Finally being able to share the application I have not stopped using for a while now.
    But coming from experience a partial library is undoubtedly irritating. I would imagine the free service will play a large role in it’s start up, much like it did in europe.

  5. Spell check, Hypebot. Spelling errors in almost every article I read from you. It just makes you look incredulous.

  6. Im the launch will be successful either way. If certain tracks arent in the Spotify library, the user can then add the music from their computer. Ultimately, it doesnt matter if they are missing 2 major labels anyways (its probably a lot cheaper!)

  7. Spotify considers launch without a fully licensed catalog and just include indies (WTF). Tracks not in Spotify Library can be added from users computer. Labels take phat advances and equity from Spotify to license catalog. Users can still add tracks from their computer. Labels then sue Spotify for allowing users to upload and store non-licensed(sic illegal) tracks. Either way, the labels get $$$$ from Spotify coming and going.

  8. Spotify wants to launch without a fully licensed catalog and just include indies (WTF). Tracks not in Spotify Library can be added from users computer. Labels take phat advances and equity from Spotify to license catalog. Users can still add tracks from their computer. Labels then sue Spotify for allowing users to upload and store non-licensed(sic illegal) tracks. Either way, the labels get $$$$ from Spotify coming and going.

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