eMusic Launches In Canada

eMusic launches its subscription music and audio book service in Canada today. The company's catalog of 3.5 million tracks includes such Canadian indie labels as Nettwerk, Arts & Crafts, Justin Time, Secret City, Mint and Paper Bag.

Canadian pricing is a bit higher than in the US. After 50 free downloads and 2 free audio book at sign-up:

Music

• eMusic Basic  -  30 downloads $11.99
• eMusic Plus  -  50 downloads $17.99
• eMusic Premium  -  70 downloads $23.99 

Audio Books

• 1 audio book - $11.99
• 2 audio books - $22.99

eMusic has achieved significant success in the

U.S.

and E.U., selling more than 200 million music downloads since November 2003.  According to Nielsen SoundScan and the Canadian Recording Industry Association, digital downloads, subscriptions and mobile music make up only 12 percent of total sales in

Canada

, in contrast with the

U.S.

, where they make up 29 percent of sales. 

In

Canada

eMusic will also partner with Best Buy and offer free songs with every Avis car rental.