A DRM-free bandwagon for music downloads

While everyone was busy squabbling about which direction iTunes sales are heading, DRM-free music store eMusic was reaching its own milestone: selling its 100 millionth song.

eMusic sells only MP3s and offers around 2 million songs, mostly by independent artists. Eleven months ago, the site passed the mark of 50 million songs sold.

To commemorate the event, eMusic has commissioned pop group Barenaked Ladies to write and record a song about the 100 millionth downloader, Michael Brennan of Moorsetown, New Jersey. The song will be available on eMusic for free for one week in January.

Blog community response:

"DRM-free is the way to go, regardless if the RIAA likes it or not. Clearly eMusic shows that it can be a success for all parties involved."
--Digg.com

"I'm not an anti-DRM crusader by any means, yet I always get that slight 'you just made a deal with the devil' feeling when I purchase a DRM encoded track. It goes away pretty quickly, because I have no problems listening to my music anywhere I want...on my computer, on my iPod, or streaming to my stereo (via Airport Express). But deep down, I know the time will come when I'm locked out of using my iTunes music in a way that Apple doesn't officially sanction, and I will not be happy."
--Podophile

"So, uh, Mr. Major Label executive guy; How many million DRM free tracks does eMusic have to sell before you join the party? No, really.. how many?"
--The Digital Music Weblog