Last.fm signs deal for Sony music

Having recently been bought by CBS, Last.fm is now announcing a deal with the Sony BMG family of record labels, which plays host to artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Justin Timberlake. This will allow Last.fm users to legally stream all Sony music, along with other artists on the site's custom-made radio stations; of particular interest to Sony however is the recommendation function, which suggests new artists to listen to based on what a user has recently played.

"The Last.fm streaming service will give our established artists a platform through which they can reach new audiences," says Sony BMG's Thomas Hesse, "and its unique recommendation system will provide our emerging artists with an important opportunity to build their fan base."

The deal's announcement did not indicate whether Sony music would be given any special advertising, or preferential treatment. Last.fm claims it has become the biggest web radio company in the world, with roughly 20 million users and substantial financial backing. The CBS buyout was valued at $280 million. [via BBC News]