Apple: iTunes LP will be open format

Posted on 14 Oct 2009 at 10:04

Apple has denied claims that it charges $10,000 to produce an iTunes LP, effectively denying independent labels the chance to promote downloads using the new format.

On the contrary, Apple confirmed that it will soon be releasing the specification so labels can make their own, having said as much when it unveiled the format last month.

“We’re releasing the open specs for iTunes LP soon, allowing both major and indie labels to create their own,” the company said in a statement. “There is no production fee charged by Apple.”

Apple’s remarks come after Brian McKinney, owner of Chicago-based Chocolate Lab Records, claimed that Apple charges a $10,000 fee to produce the digital packages.

“I contacted the digital distribution manager at my label's distributor,” McKinney told Gizmodo. “He had a conference call with an iTunes rep and asked how we go about putting an LP together. He was told that LPs aren't being offered to indies and that there are only about 12 LPs being offered right now. They also said that iTunes charges a $10,000 production fee for them as well.”

Author: Simon Aughton

Get more reviews, tutorials and in-depth advice, every month with Computer Shopper.
Click here to try 3 issues for £1

< Previous News : MP3 players Next >

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.