Universal and iTunes offer Chinese pop music downloads

by Sam Matthews,, Brand Republic 09-Feb-05, 08:00

LONDON – Universal Music South East Asia is teaming up with Apple's iTunes music store to offer music from Asia's biggest pop stars online in 15 countries including the US and UK.

Consumers in Europe and North America will be able to choose from more than 1,000 tracks from the best of Cantonese and Mandarin hits by artists such as Jacky Cheung, Kelly Chen, Hacken Lee and Alan Tam.

It marks the the first time that the Chinese repertoire is available online legally outside of the region.

According to Chen: "The new deal is a fantastic development for everyone. Fans everywhere can keep up to date with our music, while artists are respected and protected on a copyright level."

The tracks will be permanently available on iTunes Music Store and will be augmented in the future with new Chinese releases and catalogue titles.

Harry Hui, president of Universal Music South East Asia, added: "The consumption of music going forward will be digital, mobile, virtual and personal. I can't think of a better partner to catapult the consumption of our Chinese catalogue that this alliance with Apple iTunes."

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