eMusic digital service coming to Canada

The subscription-based digital music retailer, eMusic, launches today in Canada online and in over 80 Best Buy stores and Avis car rental locations. This marks eMusic's first expansion into other markets, as the service has been in operation in the US since 2003 and recently surpassed 200 million downloads, making it the second biggest online music retailer next to iTunes. eMusic offers 3.5 million DRM-free MP3-format songs and audio books, allowing users to burn them to CDs, transfer them to personal MP3 players and make multiple copies for personal use.

Statistics show digital download, subscription and mobile music markets account for 12 percent of all music sales in Canada, compared to 29 percent in the US, and Canada's is a market eMusic is trying to grow. iTunes is currently leading digital music sales in Canada.

The digital music retailer also offers audiobooks for sale, and offers new Canadian subscribers 50 free downloads and one free audio book. Monthly subscriptions include 30, 50 or 75 music downloads for a fee of nearly $12, $18 and $24, respectively. Audiobooks are priced at almost $12 each, or $23 for two. [via fyi music]

Filed under: industry, audio
Other story tags: music, Best Buy, download, eMusic, digital music