WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Feb. 23, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Altnet, Inc., a subsidiary of Brilliant Digital Entertainment, the leading provider of secure digital media via peer-to-peer technology, today announced a new agreement with The Everest Records Group to distribute the Legacy International and Bescol Compact Classics catalogs. Beginning in March, a wide variety of genres from popular music (Jimi Hendrix), classical (Aaron Copeland and the London Symphony Orchestra) and traditional music from around the world will be available through Altnet's distribution technology.
Altnet's patented technology allows artists to be compensated when users share their files on peer-to-peer file sharing applications. Unlike other Internet music download sites that limit the ability of artists and labels to market themselves, Altnet allows labels direct control over their music distribution, including the ability to sell to a worldwide audience, set pricing, control promotional messaging and placement, and utilize tools to maximize interaction with fans and consumers.
Bernard Solomon, President of The Everest Record Group said, "We are impressed with Altnet's track record and strong commitment to the support of independent labels. Altnet's deals with other significant labels such as Artemis Records directly influenced our decision to work with them, because it demonstrates a forward understanding of consumer wants and the digital space. The ease with which Altnet can offer content through a flexible and efficient platform made it an obvious choice for the digital distribution of our extensive catalogs."
The Legacy International and Bescol Compact Classics catalogs join a rapidly growing list of independent music labels utilizing Altnet's technology and the reach of peer-to-peer programs as a means to sell their music to fans around the world. Last week, Altnet announced that it reached an agreement with Artemis Records to distribute its catalog, which includes double-Grammy winner Warren Zevon, Lisa Loeb and the Pretenders, among many others.
"We're thrilled Everest Records has chosen Altnet as its preferred platform to digitally distribute its tremendous catalog over our affiliate partners, including Kazaa and Grokster," said Christian von Burkleo, Senior Vice-President of Business Development for Altnet. "The Everest Records collection combines some of the greatest musical acts of the twentieth century with rarities and hard to find classics that will appeal to music lovers around the world...and you'll find them on Altnet first."
For music labels, Altnet offers a vast consumer audience of more than 70 million music fans through its affiliate relationships with peer-to-peer applications such as Kazaa and Grokster, and web portals and search engines such as Excite's My Search. Altnet's Gold File Top Search service gives licensed music a special gold icon and top-of-the-list premium placement in search results, and integrates a seamless payment system.
For music fans, Altnet offers a growing collection of mainstream and independent music from more than thirty labels, as well as simple one-click purchasing and the PeerPoints(tm) program which rewards users for sharing Altnet licensed files.
About Altnet
Altnet is the first distributor of digital media via peer-to-peer technology that gives content owners a secure anti-piracy platform to sell their files and rewards consumers with easy access to legal content. Through its TopSearch preferred search listings, Altnet reaches an estimated 70 million users and is the #1 issuer of rights managed music in the world. Altnet technology integrates into affiliate websites and peer-to-peer applications to allow Internet users to simply and easily locate, download, sample, and purchase digital content. Software, game, music and film companies distribute with Altnet to generate new revenue streams while curbing piracy. Altnet is a subsidiary of Brilliant Digital Entertainment.
About The Everest Record Group
For more than 40 years, Everest Records has been building one of the most sought-after catalogs in the music industry. Along with Atlantic Records, Everest was one of the original pop label upstarts. Everest has scored numerous hits on the Billboard charts and through its original recordings, re-releases and compilations, Everest music reaches an appreciative audience of collectors and new fans. Everest Records continues its commitment to innovation as one of the first labels to offer its catalog using new digital download technologies.