February 19, 2009
Could a $3 iPhone App Change the Way Music is Delivered?
Apple has approved an iPhone application from the Nineties alternative rock group The Presidents of the United States of America. The PUSA app sells for $2.99, and lets you stream the band's entire catalog of music, which includes hits like "Peaches" and "Lump," over a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. PC World reports.
Fans who buy the app also get access to premium content like the band's original 10-song demo tape Froggystyle; a link to buy PUSA songs on the iTunes store; outtakes and live recordings that will be updated regularly; and links to the PUSA blog.
... Dave Dederer, PUSA's lead singer, said the PUSA app is a trial run for a much bigger business model that would allow bands to preview albums directly with fans and then give them the opportunity to pre-purchase the album at the iTunes store.
Since the music is streamed, labels don't have to worry about the album ending up on a file-sharing site, and with a link to the iTunes Store the app might actually encourage people to buy the music.
Read full article.
Previously: - The Presidents of the USA introduces iPhone app
The Permanent Link to this page is: http://www.textually.org/ringtonia/archives/2009/02/022774.htm