SMS-based Music Download Service “Music2text” Launches
- Mobile service delivers single tracks and ringtones direct to fans via simple text message
- Successful pilots with Bashy, Revere, Essential Music and Absolute Marketing, supported Starboy Nathan to #23 in Chart
- In talks with INgrooves, Zimbalam, Believe Digital, Crown Management, Channel 5, majors and UK independents
London, 19th July 2012: A breathtakingly simple way of selling or giving away music tracks and ringtones by ever-popular text messaging - Music2text – was launched today.Fans simply text a song’s name to 60444 to connect to a mobile music store, where they can download the track for free, 50p or £1.00, as determined by the label or artist. They can also opt to stream or email the track, and follow the artist via Facebook or Twitter.The service, which is the UK’s only SMS-to-mobile music platform, is entirely free to use if the artist or label opts to give the track or ringtones away for free. It costs £20 if the label or artists wishes to sell the track, after which the seller keeps 100% of the revenue, net sales.Placing the text codes on artists’ promotional materials turns posters and flyers, TV and radio interviews, even concerts, into instant impulse purchasing opportunities. In addition, Music2text captures mobile numbers of participating “opt-in” fans, enabling UK labels and artists to build a valuable database for future marketing campaigns.Music2text has been successfully piloted with UK hip hop and R’n’B artists Bashy (via Essential Music), Starboy Nathan (via Absolute Marketing), Marvell and independent labels, who have helped fine-tune the system through stealth and beta stages. The company is in talks with majors and leading UK independent record labels, global digital distribution companies such as INgrooves, Zimbalan, Believe Digital, and top tier management firms such as Crown Music Management.Broadcasters can also use Music2text to turn video into a potential sales channel, by displaying the text short-code in or alongside it online or on television. The company is currently in talks with companies including Channel 5 who are interested in monetising through new mobile models.Already hailed as an innovative superstar in the technology and music start-up space, 2012 saw Music2Text winning Best Pitch for Digital Shoreditch Capital Day and the Music Techpitch 4.5, in partnership with EMI Music and 2Pears.The platform is fully PRS compliant and is in the process of becoming chart registered.Said Crown Music Management Chairman (and former MD of Island Records) Marc Marot “This is a great example of a fully transparent mobile service that can accommodate all sectors of the industry, be it major, independent or unsigned.” Commented Channel 5 Creative Director, Rich Ritch “A clean and simple idea that will revolutionise how music is sold on mobile phones across a wide range of media platforms. Impressive technology and perhaps the next game changer for the mobile music business... This could be the one.”Alex Branson SVP INgrooves SVP added “I have been following the development of Music2text with great interest for some time. The product now looks great, and offers artists a fantastic way of connecting with their fans. For record companies and distribution companies it provides a unique way of understanding who their artists’ fans are as well as a new way to sell their tracks. I am sure it will be a feature in many future campaigns to come.”Zimbalam Music Distribution’s UK Manager Chris Dyer said: “A great way for self-releasing bands to make money and give fans immediate access to music at live shows; with a single click from an SMS message fans are downloading from the bespoke artist mobile music store. This is beautiful tech that works. What a no brainer.”
Said Music2text CEO and founder Denver Thomas: “The future for music distribution and promotion is undoubtedly in the mobile space and Music2text uses a mixture of tried and tested and cutting edge technologies to deliver a disarmingly simple solution. The service has generated a great buzz, and user reaction has just been incredible. I am very grateful for all the positive feedback that is coming from the within the industry.” About Music2text Music2text acts as a mobile distributor, retailer, marketing and royalty reporting partner; its PRS-compliant solution delivers single tracks via SMS over 3G networks. No set up costs, subscription charges or hidden fees.Labels and self-releasing artists can sell tracks with SMS and keep 100% net of sales. Music2text provides FREE mobile music stores triggered by SMS. It is HTML5 ready, IOS friendly and cross compatible with any smart device that receives the web. Music2text is compliant with the Code of Practice of www.PhonePayPlus.com that regulates the content, promotion and overall operation of all premium rate telecommunication services in the UK. Music2text officially launched in July 2012.