The Nokia Music Store Scrutinised

I had the opportunity  to ask the representatives from the Nokia Music Store a few questions ranging from the DRM issues,a Mac OSX client being developed to finding out if there would be more ‘underground’ genres being offered in the store…

Are there any plans to start selling other content such as movies, TV shows, music videos or handset applications on the Nokia Music Store ?

Not at this point. The Nokia Music Store specialising purely in selling music.

Apparently a Mac OSX client is in development, will this result in a file format besides WMA being offered, and additionally add support for other devices such as the iPod and iPhone?

We want as many people as possible to have access to the Nokia Music Store as possible and are investigating all of the options to make this possible.

Although the iTunes store in South Africa currently only offers applications, the iTunes store is available in it’s entirety in your other markets. What would you say are the advantages you have, if any, over the iTunes juggernaut in these markets ?

Yes. Nokia has a number of unique assets which allow us to offer a world leading, differentiated music experience to people all over the world. Key factors include:
The fact that we have a superior range of music optimised mobile devices – with volumes second to none,
Our extensive catalogue with strong local repertoire, dedicated music teams on the ground in each territory that ensure that our offering is as locally relevant to all markets
Leading edge connectivity in an integrated device that is always with you
Ease-of-use though tight integration between the device and service
All of this is of course coupled to the trusted and valued Nokia consumer brand.

There’s no denying that your track count on launch and support for local music is impressive, however will there be music available from less mainstream international acts, with specific reference to the sort of electronic music seen available from online retailers like Beatport or Juno? Genres such as Drum’n'Bass / Dubstep?

Absolutely! We have arrangements with all the major labels as well as more than 2100 independents including electronic stalwarts like African Dope and Ninja Tune and artists like Mix & Blend, Mr Scruff, Asian Dub Foundation, Skream, Pendulumand Digital Mystikz amongst many others. We are very proud of the depth and breadth of our catalogue.

Will release dates for music on the Nokia Music Store coincide with traditional in-store CD album releases?

This is dependent upon the arrangement with the specific label in question, but generally, yes. In fact it will often be the case that titles are available on the Nokia Music Store before they reach traditional physical retailers. We will also offer exclusive deals and free promotional tracks from time to time.

With the general unpopularity of DRM due to the restrictions it imposes on paying customers – does Nokia think its inclusion of DRM might hinder potential sales on the Music Store?

DRM is a tricky subject. On the one hand it is important to preserve the rights of the creator of the work – the artist – to decide how they wish their produce to be consumed, whilst it is also essential to consider the needs of the consumer and their expectations of incarnations of music which they have purchased. At the moment we balance this by applying a fair use system whereby the artist or label gets to decide how many times they will allow their works to be copied. We strive for a minimum of three uses.

Due to public outcry and frustrations over DRM, Apple recently made the transition to 100% DRM-Free music, do you think imposing these sort of restrictions is potentially damaging to the Nokia brand as a whole? Will Nokia also consider going the DRM-free music route sometime in the future?

We are talking to the music industry about various options, including DRM free, and are keen on finding the best possible solution that both supports artists as well as the people who buy music from us..

Remember,the best music is just a click away: http://music.nokia.co.za

xx

yours in musical madness

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