Pressplay Sets Deal to License Songs From EMI

Pressplay, the online music service co-owned by Vivendi Universal’s Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, expanded its roster by licensing songs from the third-largest record company, EMI Recorded Music. The deal makes EMI the first label to license its songs to both Pressplay and its top rival, MusicNet, which EMI owns jointly with BMG Entertainment, Warner Music Group and RealNetworks.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but Pressplay will pay EMI an advance against future royalties, said Jay Samit, senior vice president for new media at EMI Recorded Music. Andy Schuon, chief executive of Pressplay, said the service would be available later this year through at least three online partners, provided that Universal, Sony and EMI obtain the necessary licenses from the publishers of their music.