Mumbai: Lala is unveiling the first and only free fully licensed service to instantly provide anywhere Web access to an existing music library such as iTunes. Unlike ad-supported music sites, Lala has garnered support from publishers and over 170,000 independent labels and distributors.
Replacing the outdated approach of uploading MP3 files from a PC, Lala introduces a licensed technology to instantly match songs from consumers’ personal music libraries with the Web- based catalog on lala.com.
"We live our lives in a browser, whether it’s emailing, watching television shows or using Facebook," said Lala CEO Geoff Ralston. "When I launched Yahoo! Mail, few thought hundreds of millions would depend on Web email. My music belongs online in the same way. Will there be anything without a browser in five years?"
Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari browsers on both Windows and Mac OS are supported.
All four major labels including EMI Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have agreements with Lala to stream and sell music.
"We thank Lala for their support of A2IM and the independent music community and congratulate them on the launch of their new service which includes tens of thousands of independent artists, labels, aggregators and distributors," said American Association For Independent Music (A2IM)president Rich Bengloff. "As the primary advocacy group for the independent music community, we also applaud Lala for recognizing the value of independent labels and artists to their business and providing inclusion to the independent community in their launch."
Lala’s catalog includes over six million songs which users can play once for free before buying. Users can buy a web song, a new product that gives users the ability to play the song as often as they choose from their web collection. MP3s are priced from 89 cents or 99 cents and are eligible for 10 cent store credits based on prior web song purchase.