Another independent UK download store is due to launch at the end of this month, joining an increasingly long list of alternatives to the mainstream leaders like iTunes, Napster, Woolworths, Tesco and the OD2 powered stores Virgin, MyCokeMusic.com, HMV, Wanadoo, Tiscali and Ministry Of Sound brands.

TuneTribe.com is backed by dance music act Groove Armada’s Tom Findlay and are offering unsigned artists the chance of none exclusive distribution deals and exposure on the site with an 80% cut of revenue. The site are promising no proprietary formats, no restrictions, and no DRM (Digital Rights Management) and artists are able to set their own price per download. TuneTribe are currently looking for artists and labels to sign up.

Despite having a record deal with Sony BMG for Groove Armada, and Ragbull, his own independent label, Findlay said that TuneTribe would give him the freedom to release material, both his own and other artists’, that would not fit the style of either outlet. “Even though I’ve got a deal with Sony BMG and I recognise that there’s a place for those sort of deals, this interested me because there’s a massive slew of incredibly interesting material that never gets picked up,” he said.

More than 30 small labels have signed up in a week, and TuneTribe is also in advanced discussions with the Association of Independent Music, which represents the UK independent record sector.

Related Links

Ebay Of Music Publishing’ Puts Sound Out For Talent [InvestmentsMagazine.com]
UK Music Downloads Up 200% Since June 1st [the Register]
Easymusic to Extend into Paid Music Downloads [NewMediaZero.com]
Official UK Download Chart [BBC Radio 1]