(antiMusic) Universal Music Group will soon be the owner of V2. And in another big move by the label group, they have jumped on the DRM-free bandwagon and will begin offering up unrestricted music files on a host of online music services beginning August 21st. However, don't look to find these unprotected downloads on iTunes. UMG will be testing the idea of selling unrestricted music via Rhapsody, Pure Tracks, Amazon.com, Best Buy and Walmart, according to Filter. Fans find these formats appealing because they can easily be used on various MP3 players without having to bypass the dreaded DRM. According to the Filter report "The DRM-free MP3s will remain the same cost and will be available until January 2008." What they do after that is anyone's guess.
Universal also announced that Friday that they have struck a deal to purchase the V2 Music Group. According to the label's website, the V2 roster includes Aimee Mann, Bloc Party, Blood Brothers, Cold War Kids, Dave Matthews Band, Cold War Kids, The Dears, Ron Sexsmith, Stereophonics and more.
V2 was founded by Richard Branson in 1996 when he wished to get back into the record business following the sale of the now defunct Virgin Records. In January, V2 North America announced that they were restructuring to focus on their back catalogue and digital distribution.
