Two New Download Services Launch In US And Another Expands

– Canadian digital music download store Puretrax has announced the launch of a U.S. version of its online store. Puretracks offers over 700,000 songs as Windows Media 192Kbps downloads, sold individually for $0.99 or as $9.99 albums. The service also offers CD sales and streaming radio stations.

– In a more multi-facted approach, the F.Y.E. chain of music retail stores, announced the launch of a digital music download store and subscription service. Featuring the user interface and over 1 million song online catalog of MusicNet (a joint venture between Bertelsmann, EMI, RealNetworks, Sony Music and Time Warner), the F.Y.E. Download Zone is currently available at fye.com and through Microsoft’s Windows Media Player 10. The subscription component of the service is offered for $14.99 per month. The company also will offer kiosks in its retail locations, beginning in the fourth quarter, that will let customers purchase tracks and have them delivered to their home PCs.

– The Orchard announced on Wednesday that it has signed new distribution and marketing deals with 11 independent record labels. New York-based The Orchard will digitally distribute tracks from Amphetamine Reptile, Laugh, Crash Music, Invisible, Tomato Records, Universal Egg, Pirate Entertainment, Amulet Records, Diesel Only, Napalm Records and Document Records to download services including iTunes, MSN Music, Napster, eMusic, Musicmatch and others.