Universal Music Group has entered a deal with B2B music provider 7digital to create custom online stores for the major label’s artists. Under this arrangement, listeners can pay for features such as artist-curated playlists, new singles, merchandise, and other products. These bespoke services would offer artists a revenue stream outside of on-demand subscription or ad-supported streaming services. Details were not provided about exactly what services 7digital will provide to UMG or the duration of the contract.
“We are delighted to be announcing agreements with the world leader in music-based entertainment, Universal Music Group, since each contract focuses on UMG initiatives that enable deeper engagement between artists and their fans, and leverage a range of revenue streams within digital music,” 7digital CEO Simon Cole said.