SpiralFrog signs on EMI for free music downloads

The ad-supported music service said today it had struck an agreement with major record label EMI, meaning it will now carry content from two of the four majors.

The service apparently struck an agreement with EMI previous to its launch back in 2006, but the deal fell through, and it launched with only Universal Music Group and a scant few independents last September.

EMI's catalog includes acts such as Coldplay, Keith Urban, and Moby. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it does make SpiralFrog more attractive to those who can use the service.

Since the service uses Windows' PlaysForSure DRM technology, it is not compatible with the Apple iPod. Neither is it compatible with the Microsoft Zune -- the Redmond company uses a completely different DRM technology altogether for that player.

Consumers in the US and Canada can access SpiralFrog.

The company would not comment on whether talks were under way to sign on the remaining two major labels, Sony BMG and Warner Music. Universal Music is the largest thus far, accounting for about 31.2% of all US music sales.

EMI is far behind but still has a substantial portion of sales at some 8.7%, Nielsen SoundScan reported in May.

"Not only does [the agreement] significantly expand our catalog of music and videos, it also demonstrates our continued content deal momentum," SpiralFrog chairman and founder Joe Mohen said. "In just six months since our launch, SpiralFrog has grown to be the third largest legal download site in terms of registered users."

In order to keep their accounts active, users must visit the company's Web site every few months. If they fail to, the songs no longer play. This is to ensure that its users are frequent viewers of its advertisements, which subsidizes SpiralFrog's existence.