Datz launches unlimited download store

00:53 | Thursday October 30, 2008

Access to the Datz Music Lounge costs £99.99 for one year, with all tracks sold as DRM-free MP3s.

The service, believed to be the first of its kind, offers content from EMI, Warner, Beggars Group and The Orchard, with around 2m tracks available at launch. Datz managing director Michael Richardson says that he would “dearly love” more labels to join the offer.

The service is aimed firmly at the Christmas market, with users buying a box that contains the Music Lounge CD and USB key from Sainsbury’s or via the Datz website. The first run is limited to 100,000 units, with the possibility that this will be extended later, although it may be at a different price point.

Richardson explains, “We wanted to find a safe and legal way for users to download music to keep. With literally thousands of artists and millions of tracks all in unlocked MP3 format, the Datz Music Lounge provides safe, carefree downloading for all music enthusiasts. Datz Music Lounge gives people a way to bolster their back catalogue, try new music and rediscover artists they love.

“All the music is theirs to keep forever and they can download anything they like for one year after they join Datz Music Lounge. Not only does Datz Music Lounge fundamentally change the way people can enjoy music, it also provides one of the greatest offers of all time.”

EMI UK & Ireland SVP sales and commercial development Matthew Crosswaite adds, “The Datz Music Lounge offering is a new and innovative way for consumers to gift digital music via high street retailers - just in time for the peak season. The product is subscription based and will be a valuable and insightful tool for understanding how consumers explore and react to EMI's deep and rich back catalogue.”