Music Beta by Google’s update Google Music, featuring perks like an mp3 store linked to cloud-based storage, has officially launched. The company announced the launch at an event in L.A. that featured performance by hip-hop artist Drake.
The Android market-based online shop functions like iTunes or Amazon stores, letting its users share a free play of a purchased song with friends on Google+.
Though the catalog is extensive, it’s not yet complete: The New York Times is reporting that Warner Music Group is the only major label that has not yet agreed to sell their catalog to Google Music. Warner is the third-largest record label, and includes artists such as Led Zeppelin, Green Day, and Neil Young.
The service aims to attract new sounds, and Billboard reports that Google Music includes a service that allows independent artist to sell their music to customers directly. Artists can build an artist page, sell original songs, and even set their own prices.
“With Google Music,” the sites says, “you set your own retail prices for albums and tracks…you keep 70% of what you take in, paid to you monthly.”
The service will allow users to store and access their music collections through computer or Android devices. Users can upload 20,000 songs free of charge, in addition to Android Market purchases.
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