Net music companies score deals, shoo bugs

 

latest developments

The Y2K bug bites a couple of MP3 software devices, but Net music won't be silenced: Major music labels are itching to get in on the game, as recent deals by Artistdirect demonstrate. "Customer loyalty is what this game is all about." - Glen Ward, president of e-commerce, Virgin Megastores

MP3 device hit by Year 2000 glitch update The latest Y2K victim is an MP3 software device from Visiosonic that crashed on users just as the new year rolled in. Artistdirect lands cash, big music labels' support The online music provider scores a major alliance with four of the five major music companies in a deal that includes a $97.5 million equity investment. Virgin Megastores keeps customers in hand The division of Virgin Entertainment Group will offer 10,000 preferred customers a free personal digital appliance that they can use to browse the Net--but not before logging on to Virginmega.com. Listen.com to list little-known artists Struggling musicians looking to hit it big may get a chance for some wide exposure online under a deal between the Internet Underground Music Archive and Listen.com.