Major Labels Deny 'Free Downloads' Deal Has Been Signed

Two of the world’s biggest record labels have denied that they have reached an agreement on a deal with Qtrax, a new download service which offers free downloads.

In plans unveiled last week, Qtrax claimed that it would offer a new free file-sharing service which had the support of the four major record labels.

In order to make money, the service will offer target-specific advertising, the outlines added.

The Warner Music Group, home to such artists as Gallows and Kid Rock, have denied that they’ve authorised their artists' content for the website, however.

Universal Records also told Reuters that talks with the company were continuing but that an agreement had not been signed.

According to Qtrax president Allan Klepfisz, while deals have not been signed in some cases, they have been “agreed on all terms”.

The service, which could include up to 30 million tracks, is seen as another potential alternative to the global decline of CD sales.