Music Streaming Service WiMP launched in the Norwegian market last month. The service is a joint venture between Aspiro and Platekompaniet, launched in cooperation with Telenor. Such cooperation between a telecom operator, a technical supplier and a traditional music retail store is unique in the European market, says Aspiro. To ensure that artists, record labels and copyright holders are paid for their music. WiMP is available as a subscription service with a payment model ensuring that everyone gets their share.
WiMP's ambition is to offer its listeners a complete catalogue of music in all genres. Aspiro says the service is simple to use and the listener is able to easily find the music he is looking for. In addition, WiMP aims to have a strong editorial offering. Editors continuously assemble interesting information and fresh playlists in various genres. WiMP further seeks to use the help of music experts to inform the listener about what is happening within the various genres and what are the essential releases. By doing so, WiMP hopes to help the listener explore new music and contribute to a general rise in music discovery.
We believe the key success factors for the Aspiro music streaming service are the user experience, allowing easy ways of discovering new music and sharing it with friends, together with a local approach to the market, as we have with Platekompaniet in Norway, says Aspiro Music CEO, Per Einar Dybvik.
The record companies have also welcomed the launch of WiMP. “WiMP offers fans a first-class music experience: easy-to-use, portable and affordable, with a particularly broad choice of repertoire in high-quality sound and the option to own favourites, says Guttorm Raa, General Manager of Warner Music Norway. We're delighted to see a major technology provider and a leading retailer launching a compelling music service that supports and extends their own businesses, whilst ensuring that artists and labels are properly compensated for the value their music creates.
Aspiro says that WiMP will also function as a tool for artists and record labels to present their new releases. The artists can also contribute with their own playlists and thereby communicate directly with their fans through the service. This is also expected to help push an even higher share of local music. WiMP also enables unsigned artists to register and get paid for their music.