Though much has been made of the potential for digital download services to eliminate record labels from the equation, the recent launch of Tunecore aims to make that happen.

The onine service promises to allow independent artists to make their music available on services like iTunes and Rhapsody directly and doesn't require a label or any contracts to do so. Artists will retain copyrights and masters in the non-exclusive deal.

The non-exclusive nature of the project suggests that artists could license their music to a physical label but retain digital rights as well. The company charges an annual fee of $7.98 and a per song charge of $0.99. Aside from the basic fees, the company does not take any of the royalties delivered by the download services, all proceeds - minus the iTunes/Rhapsody fees - go to the artist. The company is forbidden from publishing the actual pay rate, but does promise an "industry standard."

It should be noted however, that this only eliminates the need for the distribution provided by labels; other important areas like marketing, recording and other promotions are still left up to the artist.