Ericsson in music content deal with The Orchard

Ericsson and The Orchard announced a global agreement to distribute full track downloads and master tones from independent labels across Ericsson’s global network. The agreement, announced at the MIDEM global music conference, covers all major territories outside the U.S.

The Orchard is the world’s leading digital distributor and marketer of independent music, with a catalogue of more than 1 mln tracks representing 73 countries, thousands of labels, and every music genre. This contract enables Ericsson to offer an expanded music offering to operators and their subscribers, including tracks from established artists such as Green Day, Coldplay, and Ray Charles, and Ice T, as well as from emerging bands like The Hold Steady, Bedouin Soundclash, and Immortal Technique.

The Orchard’s catalogue will be included in the content offerings connected to Ericsson’s hosted white-label music service. This service makes it possible for operators and content providers to focus on their core business while Ericsson manages the end-to-end platform, complete with the latest and most compelling content. Consumers can choose from an entire catalogue of tracks and downloads available and pay for the chosen content via their mobile phone bill.

Greg Scholl, chief executive of The Orchard, says, “Increasingly, the leading technology companies and digital retailers worldwide appreciate the critical role independent music plays in the viability of their products, and more broadly, as the lifeblood that feeds the music industry.  Our agreement with Ericsson ensures that our artists and labels can reach a global audience throughout Ericsson’s extensive mobile network. We look forward to working as a close marketing partner with Ericsson to sell great independent music, and increase the opportunities available to our respective customers worldwide.”

The Orchard is owned by Dimensional Associates, the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management, Inc. whose portfolio companies also include eMusic and Dimensional Music Publishing.