Spotify today launched in Australia, with its base level offering delivering unlimited free music streaming for free. The internet-based service has struck deals with Warner Music Australia, EMI Music Australasia, Universal Music and Sony Music Entertainment to offer tracks from their catalogue of songs.
Spotify has also inked deals with the Australasian Performing Right Association and "a raft" of independent record labels, according to a statement from the company.
The free service offers ad-supported access to 16 million songs. For $6.99, Australian users get access to the same service sans ads. Spotify's premium service costs $11.99 and delivers offline playback as well as tracks at a bitrate up to 320kbps and mobile playback.
Spotify launched in Sweden in 2008. It now has 10 million active users, including more than 3 million customers of its paid 'Unlimited' and 'Premium' services. The service only launched in the US in July last year.
In December, Spotify launched a development platform that allowed the creation of third-party apps that integrate with the service. One of the first Australian apps for Spotify is based on the ABC's Triple J radio station, offering access to Hottest 100 compilations as well as news and featured albums.