Apple Opens iTunes LP And Extras To Indie Artists, Labels
Posted by Dan Rodriguez on Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Apple is expanding its iTunes LP and Extras (read: silly gimmick no one really cares about) feature to indie artists, labels and developers. The “new” technology (read: basically an e-card included with your digital album for a few extra bucks) was previously only available to major labels through partnerships.
An automated electronic submission method will be added in the first quarter of next year. Until then, it’s a bit of a hassle. An existing iTunes contract is required, and all submissions will be reviewed by the iTunes team “for appropriateness of content and for technical quality”.
Templates and a developers guide for both formats is available here.
What do you think? Do the LP/Extras formats interest you as a consumer? Would you pay more? Artists, do you think this adds value to your product? Will you consider using it in a future release?
Tags: Apple
December 1st, 2009 at 12:14 PM
It depends, if the extra stuff is really interesting and good, i would pay more.
December 1st, 2009 at 2:17 PM
If the “LP” comes with a substantial digital booklet, lyrics, videos (as many do), bonus tracks, etc., for an extra $2, you bet I’m interested. And just because 5 major labels didn’t come up with terribly clever ways to exploit those possibilities doesn’t mean some of the thousands of indie bands and labels who jump on this won’t.
it’s a good thing!
February 28th, 2010 at 2:19 PM
Hello. I happened upon your site while I was looking for something else. While I do not agree with everything you said we do have almost the same thoughts by and large. I’ve bookmarked your website and will visit again in the near future to see what you are talking about in 2010!