Vevo Signs EMI Content Deal On Eve Of Launch

Just in time for Tuesday’s big launch of Vevo, EMI has joined up with Universal Music and Sony Music as a partner with the new online music video service.

With EMI on board, that leaves Warner Music as the lone holdout among the ‘big four’ record companies not part of the Vevo project; hundreds of independent labels are also involved with the music video website. As part of the EMI deal, Vevo can offer video content from artists like Norah Jones, Coldplay and Katy Perry on EMI’s labels, which includes Astralwerks, Blue Note, Capitol and Virgin.

“Our agreement with EMI Music marks a milestone in our mission to provide fans everywhere with the world’s best premium music video programming, when, where and how they want it,” stated Vevo President & CEO Rio Caraeff.

“We look forward to collaborating with EMI on introducing our users to new professionally-created entertainment products through a truly interactive platform.”

Mr. Caraeff said the site would host 30,000 music videos by the end of the year. Vevo will also carry original programs by artists – just for fans.

“Vevo offers the value of a powerful, new environment where our artists can showcase their work and create a deeper relationship with fans,” added EMI Music CEO Elio Leoni-Sceti.

Backed by Vivendi’s Universal Music, Sony and the Abu Dhabi Media company, Vevo will be a free service. Thank goodness, because who wants to pay to watch a music video? The website and music player will also provide links to allow viewers to buy songs from Amazon or iTunes. Artist merchandise will point to Bravado, Universal’s online retailing company. It goes without saying that plenty of music and Internet folks will be watching closely to see how this fairly big launch fares in an increasingly fragmented consumer marketplace; are we about to experience the debut of an MTV for a wired generation, or just another web portal with videos?

Inking EMI in the final hours before launch definitely helps the overall scope of Vevo’s content, which should please consumers. More videos the merrier!

EMI, owned by Terra Firma, already has a contract with Hulu.com; EMI debuted a Norah Jones channel on the video site last month.

Word is discussions between Vevo and Warner Music continue.

Are you planning to check out Vevo?