Napster and Independent Labels

Ever wonder why some of your favorite independent label music has been blocked from Napster, even though the indie labels have not filed any lawsuits? This is from Sonicnet:

"For most indie labels, giving people a chance to hear the music at all is one of the biggest challenges," said Molly Newman, general manager of Lookout! Records (as well as the drummer in riot grrrl pioneers Bratmobile). "The idea that people are sort of helping us with that [on Napster] is interesting."

But the Lookout! Records catalog, which includes albums by Green Day, the Donnas and Operation Ivy, is not available on Napster, due to the label's deal with the paid download site EMusic. Because Napster is a direct threat to the site's business of selling MP3s, EMusic submitted its own screening lists, which include music from the numerous indies with whom it has deals.EMusic is responsible for taking off most of Epitaph/Hellcat's catalogue as well. If you search for "Rancid," for example, the only songs from the new album easily available are those that are currently being offered for free by EMusic.Source: the quoted material is from Sonicnet