Redwood City, Calif. - Video game publisher Electronic Arts announced on Friday that it has partnered with Canadian record label Nettwerk Music Group to launch a digital music distribution label, that will release EA-owned compositions as ringtones. EA Recordings will deliver ringtones to iTunes, Rhapsody and other retailers from artists who have contributed original music to its games, such as beats from Da Riffs and Just Blaze, original songs and remixes from Paul Oakenfold, and themes and soundtracks composed by Sean Callery, Michael Giacchino, Chris Lennertz, Trevor Jones and Mark Mothersbaugh. "We've entered a new age where video games are arguably more powerful than the radio when it comes to exposing audiences to music," said Nettwerk CEO Terry McBride. Initially, music will come from EA titles including "The Sims," "NBA Live," "FIFA Soccer," "Medal of Honor" and the company's James Bond game series. Redwood City, Calif.-based Electronic Arts also operates a joint venture with Cherry Lane Music Publishing, Next Level Music, that focuses on signing artists and licensing EA music for TV, film and commercial productions. EA also has a relationship with hip-hop label Def Jam, and has released a series of games featuring Def Jam artists and music.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/051104/20051103006190.html?.v=1
http://tinyurl.com/9xw2u (Reuters)
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