When Apple launched its European music store last month it launched without some of Europe’s most popular artists. Indie labels were upset with the deal Apple had proposed to them and refused to put their music on the iTunes Music Store.
However, it appears that this has now changed and the revised terms proposed to the indie labels are acceptable. This would bring such artists as The White Stripes, The Strokes and Travis to the store.
“Apple is in talks with the indie labels and it looks like they are hoping to sign a deal within days,” said an Association of Independent Music (AIM) spokesman.
“But a deal will not be signed unless it addresses the concerns that arose a month ago. Also the prices offered were lower than those some of the major labels were receiving.
“But we are quite close and hope that a standard indie deal will emerge from this which will help all indie artists.”
Europe’s independent labels hold a 22% share of the music market.
