The legal MP3 site offers over 100,000 tracks from 3,500 independent labels and unsigned artists. It does not require subscriptions and its files are compatible with most music players including Apple’s iPod.
KarmaDownload.com said it will promote the launch by partnering with web radio tastemaker, WOXY.com, later this month to broadcast bands such as The Frames, The National, Earlimart, Feist, Giant Drag, Nicolai Dunger and The Cribs. Mobile partner YR Media also provides downloads of ringtones and truetones on the site.
In addition, KarmaDownload has created a SXSW section featuring promotional music of participating artists.
In the digital world, we believe it is important to support independent focused services such as KarmaDownload who have the specialist knowledge to present our artists to people who have a hunger for new and exciting music, says Simon Wheeler, head of new media at Beggars Group. With Karma now selling directly into North America, this can only benefit us, our artists and other independent UK labels.
KarmaDownload.com is the brainchild of Jamie Estrin, a former brand manager at Sky Television and founder of European digital media company Prohfero. He said of the announcement: Our aim in 2005 is to enhance our new music experience. We want to provide independent labels with a custom platform to promote and sell their music to a global audience.
