UMG confirms deal with Qtrax to allow free music downloads
By AMANDA FEHD – 1 day ago

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Universal Music Group confirmed Tuesday that it has reached a deal with file-sharing site Qtrax to allow free, legal downloads of UMG music.

Qtrax announced in January that it had the backing of"all the major labels" to distribute music free online, generating revenue with ads. But New York-based Warner Music Group Corp., said it had not authorized the use of its content on Qtrax's service. UMG and EMI Group PLC also said at the time they did not have licensing deals in place with Qtrax.

UMG spokesman Peter Lofrumento confirmed Tuesday that an agreement has been reached but declined to elaborate or to say whether a contract has been signed.

"All of UMG's music available digitally will be available for free, legal downloads on Qtrax," Qtrax spokeswoman Shamin Abas told The Associated Press.

A joint UMG-Qtrax statement said UMG and its artists and songwriters will be compensated for the use of their content.

Abas said users "will be able to purchase music-related items" on the site.

Qtrax first launched in 2002 but shut down after a few months to avoid potential legal trouble.


With the majors all jumping on board, QTRAX is ready to make a real splash of impact on the music market. They plan to re-launch, with iPod compatible music on the 18th!

i think this is good

"iPod compatible"

Meaning no high quality, DRM-free MP3s.

Once again, no thanks.

Well you are of course welcome to purchase them in HQ from iTunes and other stores...but if you dont want to pay and you have a sense of right and wrong and dont want to steal, its the best option by far.

And besides, they never said it wouldnt be HQ...they did menion DRM but nothing about quality...thats an assumption

Well I'm still not interested.