New Subscription Based Music Distribution Service “AWA” Targets The Japanese Market
Avex Group Holdings Inc. Avex Group Holdings Inc. announced that AWA Co., Ltd officially released the new subscription based music distribution service “AWA”. AWA Co., Ltd. is a company jointly established by Avex Digital Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “ADG”), which is a 100% subsidiary of Avex Group Holdings Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “AGHD”), and CyberAgent, Inc.
“AWA” has been embodied by putting together the knowledge of the two companies, as Cyber Agent develops and operates apps and Avex Group procures music content to be distributed. At the time of release, 23 record labels and companies will participate. With this flat-rate music streaming service, users can enjoy any of several million songs including Japanese and foreign music in various genres. Available songs will continue to be added, as the service aims to provide approximately 5 million songs by the end of 2015, and 10 million songs by the end of 2016. In addition, over 6,000 original “playlists” will be available at the time of launch. New playlists will continue to be added by a broad range of users, including popular DJs, music producers, etc.
The iOS and Android versions for smartphones are available at this time. The service is planned to be compatible with more devices such as PCs, tablets, wearable terminals, and in-car devices.
At present, more music are enjoyed digitally in markets overseas, making online downloads and subscription based music streaming as popular forms to consume music. In Japan, however, subscription based music distribution services are still at nascent stage. Illegal music downloads are also an on-going issue. “AWA” is designed for use with smartphones. User interface, operability, and service are suited for smartphone users, offering new discoveries of music they like as well as new ways to enjoy music. We will also prepare service plans to meet various needs, distribute profits to rights holders, and aim to establish a music distribution service chosen by a broad range of users. AWA will start as an easily downloadable smart phone app due to the popularity of the device in the market. We aim to popularize subscription based music streaming services in Japan.
“AWA” Overview
① New music distribution service developed collaboratively by Avex and CyberAgent Selection of several million tracks of Japanese and foreign songs are available from major record labels in a variety of genres. Users can enjoy music from o ne of the largest music selections offered by music streaming service. A total of 23 companies plan to join the service to provide content as of Wednesday, May 27, 2015, and more companies are to follow.
② Unprecedented way of enjoying music with “Play list” × “Recommend ation” functions Users can discover yet to know music they like, and be reunited with music they used to love through “hand-made playlists” by other users and AWA’s original recommendation system. A new way to enjoy music offered by AWA will stir new interest to music.
③ UI and app design that enrich users’ musical experience AWA offers high-quality musical experience, with stress-less “play”, smooth interaction that responds to finger motion, intuitive UI, and sophisticated app design, etc.
④ 3-month free Premium Plan trial period, with plans suited for various needs Users can enjoy a free three months trial of the Premium Plan.
After the trial period, users can choose from two monthly plan options: “Lite Plan (provisional monthly charge: 360 yen [tax included])” and ” Premium Plan (provisional monthly charge: 1,080 yen [tax included])”
Source:
Avex Group Holdings Inc.
