Spotify to launch in the US by end of 2009

Posted by Katherine Hannaford on Mon 18 May 2009

2009's hit music streaming service is going from strength to strength

Changes are being made to our much-loved Spotify - but don't worry, they're for the better. The Swedish founder and CEO of Spotify, Daniel Ek, told festival goers at the Great Escape music festival in Brighton over the weekend that by the end of the year they'll be launching in the US, following up on their great success across Europe and the UK.

In addition to breaking the United States, Ek also hopes to work alongside record labels so they can target their listeners better. "We want to hand out consumer data we have, to give to labels so they can target consumers better and communicate better. That is what's lacking in the music industry."

Spotify is also working on a mobile service, due to launch this summer, however it won't be free. Ek said "portability is an important aspect" and "that's definitely something we think is a premium product that people are willing to pay for - being able to bring the music with you".

It's not just about online these days, with Ek hinting the 'ye olde' ways of the music industry are still very important. Spotify could start trialling selling concert tickets and artists' merchandise, along with higher bit-rates of songs and exclusive tracks for paid-up users.

Spotify has recently joined forces with 7Digital to offer one-click downloads of tracks, and by the sounds of Ek's plans, the Swedish company has a lot more ideas for its music-streaming service, which has over a million UK users.

Link: Spotify (via TechRadar)