Sony BMG teams up with free music service

The agreement sees music from the Sony BMG catalogue becoming available to stream free, legally on the ad-funded website, with a short ad prior to each track.

We7 will launch the new on demand streaming service in the UK at the end of April, with the service initially available to existing We7 members and gradually extended to new subscribers.

Ged Doherty, Chairman of Sony BMG (UK & Ireland), said: “We are in the business of embracing a multitude of new ways our music can reach audiences. Our deal with We7 is an important step forward in offering fans greater flexibility in how they consume music.”

Steve Purdham, co-founder and CEO We7, said: “Today marks a significant leap forward for We7 and the industry as a whole, as Sony BMG lead the way in embracing the on demand streaming model for the benefit of music fans, artists and advertisers alike.”

Peter Gabriel, musician and Founder Investor in We7, said: “The digital revolution has provided exciting and extraordinary opportunities in the music business, even though it has been largely written off by many. We7 is a model that will supply free music to the consumer and still provide a stream of revenue to musicians and content owners. We are delighted that Sony BMG are exploring this new world, and are the first forward thinking major to come on board with us.”