Spotify restricts access to new albums under new deal with Universal Music
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For the first time Spotify will restrict access to certain albums to its fee-paying customers.

The condition is part of a new deal the digital music service has signed with Universal Music, whose artists include Eminem and Katy Perry.

Universal artists will now be able to list their new albums as premium for up to two weeks, restricting their access to paying users.

However, singles by artists who have chosen to restrict access to their albums will still be available to all Spotify users.

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The firm's chief executive Daniel Ek said that "not every album by every artist should be released the same way, and we've worked hard with UMG to develop a new, flexible release policy."

"Starting today, Universal artists can choose to release new albums on premium only for two weeks, offering subscribers an earlier chance to explore the complete creative work, while the singles are available across Spotify for all our listeners to enjoy."

Spotify had previously annoyed some singers, such as Taylor Swift, by making its entire catalogue of music available to all its users, whether or not they paid the monthly fee for an ad-free service.

Around 50 million of Spotify's 100 million users pay for the premium service.

The move has been interpreted by some as a key step on the way to an eventual Spotify IPO, wit the Swedish company currently the most highly-valued tech firm in Europe at more than $8.5 billion.

CNET

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