Independent record label Aardvark Records has signed a deal with Russian mobile content and service provider United Fun Traders (UFT), to supply music for the burgeoning Russian audio Ringback Tone market.
UFT, which supplies one of the biggest Russian mobile operators with music content, has licensed over 700 songs from the labels catalogue. The partnership combines Aardvark's expertise in building successful relationships with mobile entertainment content providers with UFTs strength in the Russian mobile telecommunications technology market.
Best known for the chart-topping dance and electronica acts from its sub-label Aardvark Dance, the Cornwall-based labels pop, folk, rock and soul acts are also included in the deal. The partnership with UFT features songs from dance acts Yahel, Zetan Spore and EricM, rock act Little Spitfire, singer-songwriter Everett Young and folk acts including Steve O Connor, Satya Graha and Moondragon.
This marks the first time our music will be legally available to buy in Russia, says
Aardvark Records director, Alex di Savoia. The security of UFTs delivery platform and its knowledge and relationships within the Russian mobile content market make them the ideal company for us to partner with.
In recent years personalised Ringback Tones have become extremely popular in some markets. Callers hear audio playback that has been selected by the party being called. The audio can be music, voice messages and greetings or sound effects. Users have a subscriber account that allows their audio selection to be modified through the Internet, WAP, SMS, USSD or Voice User Interface.For Aardvark Music, the deal with UFT is the latest in a series of digital entertainment ventures, including high profile online partnerships. Last year, Aardvark struck a content deal with the online computer gaming company Audio-Surf. It was also one of the first music companies to embrace the power of user-generated content by signing video distribution and revenue partnerships with ROO TV, as well as distributing its videos through YouTube and then Google Video. Additional ventures have include Bebo, ReverbNation and Last FM.