Sony BMG has finally jumped on the iTunes bandwagon, with the music giant today confirming it had added its roster of artists to Apple's Australian on-line music store.
Sony BMG was the only major label not on board when Apple launched the Australian version of iTunes on 25 October 2005. At the time, Apple iTunes vice-president Eddy Cue declined to disclose the reasons behind Sony's absence, but did say licensing negotiations were still ongoing.
In a statement released today, Cue said the addition of Sony BMG would bring iTunes fans "a wide range of great local and international artists". Sony BMG Australia and New Zealand CEO Denis Handlin said his company was "delighted" at joining iTunes Australia. "There is a great opportunity for digital music to explode in 2006 and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with iTunes," Handlin said.
Sony BMG's inclusion will add music and videos from artists such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, the Foo Fighters, Destiny's Child, Franz Ferdinand, Oasis, The Strokes, Kelly Clarkson, Bruce Springsteen, Jamiroquai, Eurythmics and Shakira. Australian artists on Sony's roster includes Shannon Noll, Anthony Callea, Human Nature, Rogue Traders, Pete Murray, John Farnham, Alex Lloyd and Delta Goodrem.
The iTunes Music Store in Australia now features over one million songs at AU$1.69 each, 3,000 music videos for AU$3.39 each, short films from Academy-Award winning Pixar Animation Studios, 11,000 audiobooks and 25,000 Podcasts.
