ARTISTDIRECT, SURETONE
TEAM ON P2P

Who knew ARTISTdirect was even still around?

The world’s largest independent music destination on the web has launched a brand-new peer-to-peer and video content initiative, which will both create a revenue stream and protect artists’ rights, with Jordan Schur’s Suretone Records, home to artists such as The Cure, Weezer and Angels & Airwaves.

Under the provisions of the new agreement, ArtistDirect’s innovative MediaDefender technology will re-direct fans seeking pirated music files on P2P networks to Suretone-branded exclusive content from the artists being sought. Unlike previous “spoofing” technologies, which direct the end-user to advertisements or false MP3 files, MediaDefender’s redirection will give the consumer what he’s actually looking for.

The agreement also establishes a Suretone-branded video channel on ARTISTdirect.com, leveraging the independent music site’s 15 million unique monthly visitors in the U.S. and 40 million worldwide. As part of the deal, ARTISTdirect will sell advertising for the Suretone-branded channel, and share the resulting revenue with the label.

“Peer-to-peer users that download our artists’ files are shoplifting intellectual property. However, we recognize that they are enthusiastic fans of our artists,” said Suretone Founder and Chairman Jordan Schur. “ArtistDirect and MediaDefender are able to deliver a massive audience from the peer-to-peer networks that no one else can, and in turn, will allow us to offer exclusive media content to our fans.”

ARTISTdirect President/CEO Jon Diamond said, “We have come to accept that the P2P networks, and their estimated 400 million+ monthly users globally, are here to stay. Jordan Schur has extensive experience over the years reaching fans and recognizes the scale and power of the peer-to-peer audience to which we are facilitating unprecedented access. Our partnership represents a significant milestone for the industry, which is starting to recognize how to turn the tables on the file-sharing networks for both profit and protection.”