Sony BMG to Test DRM-free Music Sales

By Geoff Duncan January 7, 2008

Sony BMG to Test DRM-free Music Sales

And the walls came tumblin’ down: the world’s second-largest music label, Sony BMG has announced it will test selling digital music in DRM-free MP3 format via a new Platinum MusicPass card. The cards will enable consumers to download full albums in MP3 format, and in some cases buyers will be able to access exclusive bonus content.

Sony BMG’s move to offer digital music in a format not encumbered by digital rights protection (DRM) technology means all four major music labels—EMI, Universal, Warner Music Group, and now Sony—all offer music from their libraries in DRM-free format in some way or another. EMI led the way with its deal with iTunes; Universal has pacted with a number of other digital music retailers, Warner Music Group has just inked a deal with Amazon, and now Sony is going to give it a try with Platinum MusicPass cards.

Music released in MP3 format will play on essentially all music-capable computers, portable players (like the iPod), phones, and other devices, and may be easily copied and transferred between devices.

“The introduction of MusicPass is an important part of Sony BMG’s ongoing campaign to bring its artists’ music to fans in new and innovative ways, and to develop compelling new business models,” said president of Son BMG’s global digital business and U.S. Sales Thomas Hesse, in a statement. “The cards themselves are high-quality collectibles featuring artist images and album information. They’re a great choice whether you’re buying for yourself, or as a gift.”

Cards will typically be priced at $12.99 per album, and will include the complete digital album as wll as bonus material or (for compilations) extensive track listings. To use the cards, customers scratch off an area on the back of the card to reveal a PIN number, then log in to MusicPass.com to download the content. Two albums in the initial set from Celine Dion and Kenny Chesney will be available in special editions priced at $19.99, which includes the customer’s choice of another album by the same artist.

Sony BMG plans to roll out the first 37 cards in the series at 4,500 retail outlets in the United States on January 15, with the cards rolling into Canada by the end of the month. Sony BMG is making the cards available through InComm, a leading gift and music card distributor.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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