Spotify still expects US access by end of 2010

Spotify was quick to respond today to rumors that it had completely restarted negotiations to bring its music streaming to the US. A representative claimed that talk of serious problems was "without substance." Without providing details, the spokesman told the Telegraph Spotify was "in fact in a very good place" and was still on track to launch an American service by the end of the year.

The European company also rejected notions that Founders Fund's Sean Parker had taken over US operations and said that former EMI exec Kenneth Parks had only just taken control in June.

American negotiations have been much more difficult in the US despite many of the same labels being involved as in Europe. Apart from hesitation on continuing to embrace the business model, the US market has been more willing to create and adopt subscription music where Europe was still dominated by pay-to-own sales before Spotify was created. Labels are more comfortable with pressing for better terms as a result, since they can turn back to an alternative like Rhapsody.

Those at Spotify also face an uphill battle, as Apple's non-subscription iTunes service represents 28 percent of all US music sold where all streaming alternatives combined form just a small fraction of the industry.

By Electronista Staff