MySpace Music launches in Australia and New Zealand

09:17 | Thursday October 1, 2009

The service is a JV between the News Corp-owned MySpace and the local offices of the four major record labels. It also offers independent content via deals with digital aggregators IODA and The Orchard.

Consumers will be able to buy tracks and albums through MySpace Music with iTunes providing the downloads locally. Both Toyota and KFC have been named as flagship sponsors of the service in both markets.

Music can also be streamed on an ad-funded basis, with full tracks and albums being offered this way. Fox Mobile will also offer ringtones on the site.

Users will additionally have access to personal music players as well as playlists created by both artists and other users.

MySpace MD and SVP of international Rebekah Horne says, “We’re excited to bring this experience to our Australian users whilst offering millions of artists on MySpace an unparalleled opportunity to connect and stay in touch with music fans.”

EMI Music Australasia chairman & SVP of marketing Mark Poston adds, “MySpace Music is the next step in the development of an important online music property. The record industry has been evolving over the last decade and MySpace has been an important part of that evolution.”

MySpace Music is expected to launch in the UK within weeks.