WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Feb. 13, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Altnet, Inc., a subsidiary of Brilliant Digital Entertainment (AMEX:BDE), the leading provider of secure digital media via peer-to-peer technology, today announced a new distribution agreement with independent record label Artemis Records. The deal makes popular acts including The Pretenders, Lisa Loeb and Steve Earle available for download on peer-to-peer programs 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 gives its content provider customers direct control over their music distribution, including the ability to dynamically set pricing, control promotional messaging and placement, and tools to maximize interaction with fans and consumers.
Jordan Flaste, Director, New Media for Artemis Records said, "We are excited to extend the sales of our digital music catalogue through Altnet. Altnet's system is an effective sales and anti-piracy tool that gives music fans on peer-to-peer networks a chance to do the right thing and compensate our artists when they download their music."
"We're thrilled Artemis Records has joined more than two dozen music labels to offer their catalog over Altnet's secure platform. Inserting licensed files into peer-to-peer software is the most effective, and profitable, form of anti-piracy," said Derek Broes, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Operations for Brilliant Digital and Altnet. "It's a win for fans, artists and the music industry. Music lovers get the high-quality songs they want at a fair price, and our technology ensures that artists and rights holders get paid. Our data shows us that the more licensed files that are easily available over peer-to-peer, the less inclined a consumer will be to download music illegally."
For music labels, Altnet offers a vast consumer audience of more than 70 million music fans through its affiliate relationships with peer-to-peer programs 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 that 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, applications, and peer-to-peer networks 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 (AMEX:BDE).
About Artemis Records
Artemis Records is a privately held, New York-based independent record label launched in 1999 by Artemis Chairman/CEO Danny Goldberg. Within its first 18 months the label scored a triple-platinum, Grammy-winning album with WHO LET THE DOGS OUT by The Baha Men, as well as two gold albums each from metal band Kittie and rapper Kurupt. In 2001, Artemis helped Jimmie Vaughan garner a Grammy win for Best Traditional Blues Album and scored additional nominations for Steve Earle and Rickie Lee Jones. In 2002, the label notched another gold album for THUG MISSES by Khia, and received Grammy nominations for Susan Tedeschi, Steve Earle and the North Mississippi Allstars, bringing the total to seven in three years.
In 2000 and 2001, Billboard Magazine named Artemis the #1 Independent label in the United States based on actual sales. In 2001, Artemis was named the Triple A independent label of the year by both Gavin and R&R.
In 2003, Warren Zevon's final album THE WIND was certified gold and received 5 Grammy nominations including "Song of the Year". In addition, Artemis acquired Vanguard Classics and Karuna Music/Triloka Records. In 2004, THE WIND won two Grammys -- one for Best Contemporary Folk Album and one for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for the track "Disorder In The House" featuring Bruce Springsteen.
Artemis Records is currently home to Steve Earle, Sugarcult, Kittie, Jesse Malin, as well as veteran artists Pretenders, Peter Wolf and the late Warren Zevon. Artemis Records is helmed by Chairman/CEO Danny Goldberg and President Daniel Glass.