7digital, the digital media delivery company and home of the MP3, today announced its official launch in the United States. The arrival of 7digital provides U.S. consumers with access to millions of DRM-free songs in the MP3 format – including content from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, EMI Music and independent labels – which can be played and shared across any music-enabled device. “7digital is the ultimate resource for music aficionados and we’re excited to bring our service to the United States with an extremely compelling consumer offer,” said Ben Drury, CEO of 7digital. “The high-quality, DRM-free MP3 format is what consumers demand, enabling music lovers to enjoy their favorite content anywhere, at any time.” MP3 downloads from us.7digital.com are compatible with any music player including iPods, iPhones, BlackBerries, MP3 players and mobile phones. 7digital has licensed over 6 million songs for digital distribution globally. “7digital is a compelling and innovative offering that provides consumers more freedom of choice on where to find and purchase their music online,” stated Amanda Marks, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Music Distribution. “And we are looking forward to working with 7digital to ensure that consumers continue to have access to the widest selection of music possible whenever, wherever and however they want.” Said Michael Nash, executive vice president, digital strategy and business development, Warner Music Group, “7digital has been a terrific partner for us and a proven hit with consumers in the UK, so we look forward to working with them to bring U.S. music fans another source of high-quality digital music, not only on 7digital.com, but through their compelling mobile applications as well.” HMV Group, a leading UK retailer of music, DVDs, games and books, recently purchased a 50 percent stake in 7digital to help accelerate the growth of both companies. 7digital is now HMV Group’s single supplier for all existing digital operations.
7digital was established in January 2004, and is a leading digital media delivery company offering businesses and consumers access to a huge catalogue of legal music and video downloads, competitive prices and promotions, and high quality sound and video in various file formats including MP3 through 7digital.com. In 2008 the company was the first in Europe to license DRM-free MP3s from all four major record labels. 7digital enables secure digital media delivery on behalf of record labels, artists, film and TV companies, retail and brand partners. 7digital’s clients and partners include HMV, Universal, Spotify, Last.fm, EMI, Warner Music, Sony, AOL and many more. The company has delivered digital content to over 2 million customers in over 25 countries.7digital was founded by Ben Drury and James Kane and was backed by leading Venture Capital firms Balderton Capital and Sutton Place.