Official: VEVO Signs EMI

With an early morning Tweet, VEVO confirmed rumors that it has signed EMI just one day before the launch of its music video service.  Sony, Universal and Google's You Tube are already partners in the site which launches late on Tuesday, December 8th.

Unlike the other two major label groups, EMI does not appear to be a partner in the venture. Talks to have WMG contribute to VEVO do not appear close to bearing fruit.

From the press release:

"Our agreement with EMI Music marks a milestone in our mission to provide fans everywhere with the world's best premium music video programming, when, where and how they want it," stated Rio Caraeff, President & CEO of VEVO. "We look forward to collaborating with EMI on introducing our users to new professionally-created entertainment products through a truly interactive platform. VEVO is about much more than just high-quality videos; it is also about original programming and strengthening the connection between artists and fans through a dynamic and engaging experience; and immediately providing advertisers with the scalability they desire and access to the most sought after demographic on the Web."

"VEVO offers the value of a powerful, new environment where our artists can showcase their work and create a deeper relationship with fans," said Elio Leoni-Sceti, EMI Music CEO. "It's an exciting entertainment destination for consumers, a tremendous creative medium for artists and also a great platform for brands."

Across the VEVO Network, users will now enjoy the largest selection of
premium music content featuring the broadest array of chart-topping
artists found anywhere on the Web. VEVO builds upon the success of
YouTube, where Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and EMI
Music stream many hundreds of millions of professionally-created videos
per month. In addition, VEVO recently announced a content deal with CBS
Interactive Music Group.