Encino, Calif.-based ARTISTdirect announced the official
integration of its online properties under the ARTISTdirect banner following its acquisition of iMusic.com.
The network is designed to connect music fans directly to their favorite
artists via official Web sites, online events and exclusive merchandise. The network
integrates the Ultimate Band List, more than 20 official
artist superstores and the newly acquired iMusic community operation.
The ARTISTdirect network presents music enthusiasts with access to up-to-date
music news and information, interaction with other music fans, the
opportunity to sample and download music, and the ability to purchase CDs and
merchandise from official artist stores.
The site will offer visitors access to iMusic’s 80,000 artist and genre
specific bulletin boards and integrate official online superstores for
artists such as The Rolling Stones, the Beastie Boys, Marilyn Manson, Korn and Tom Petty.
“The acquisition of iMusic.com is the last piece of the puzzle, allowing us
to launch ARTISTdirect.com as the most comprehensive or ‘deeply vertical’
music network currently available on the Web,” said Marc Geiger, co-founder
of ARTISTdirect. “The network encompasses extensive search capabilities, a
community of fans and the opportunity to buy music and products directly from
the artists themselves.”
Financial terms of the deal with iMusic were not disclosed. Founded in 1995,
iMusic will continue to be based in Seattle.
