iTunes Videos competitor Vevo launches tomorrow

Vevo, a joint venture between Sony and Universal Music, claims to be the "Hulu for music videos".  That remains to be seen.  However, the site did get a big boost today by announcing that a third (of the big four) music label, EMI, would be adding their content to the site.

The site launches tomorrow and is powered by Youtube.  Coincidentally, Warner, the only major label not in Vevo, has a partnership with Google to do videos on their own.  Vevo has put out their sloppy version of Video Killed the Radio Star below, with 50 Cent.

VEVO ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH EMI MUSIC
 
New Premium Music Service to Launch on December 8
with Content from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment
and EMI Music
 
NEW YORK December 7, 2009 -- VEVO, the new premium music video and entertainment service, today announced an agreement in which EMI Music will join Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment in providing music fans with professionally-created video content when the service debuts on December 8 in the United States and Canada.
 
As part of this agreement, music fans will be able to view professionally-created video content from artists on EMI's labels including Astralwerks, Blue Note, Capitol and Virgin, as well as the independent artists and labels represented by EMI Label Services and EMI’s Caroline Distribution unit.
 
Across the VEVO Network, users will now enjoy the largest selection of premium music content featuring the broadest array of chart-topping artists found anywhere on the Web. VEVO builds upon the success of YouTube, where Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and EMI Music stream many hundreds of millions of professionally-created videos per month. In addition, VEVO recently announced a content deal with CBS Interactive Music Group.
 
“Our agreement with EMI Music marks a milestone in our mission to provide fans everywhere with the world’s best premium music video programming, when, where and how they want it,” stated Rio Caraeff, President & CEO of VEVO.  “We look forward to collaborating with EMI on introducing our users to new professionally-created entertainment products through a truly interactive platform. VEVO is about much more than just high-quality videos; it is also about original programming and strengthening the connection between artists and fans through a dynamic and engaging experience; and immediately providing advertisers with the scalability they desire and access to the most sought after demographic on the Web.”
 
“VEVO offers the value of a powerful, new environment where our artists can showcase their work and create a deeper relationship with fans,” said Elio Leoni-Sceti, EMI Music CEO.  “It’s an exciting entertainment destination for consumers, a tremendous creative medium for artists and also a great platform for brands.”
(more)
VEVO, EMI/2
 
About VEVO
 
VEVO is the premium music video and entertainment service created in partnership by Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony Music Entertainment (SME) and Abu Dhabi Media Company and is powered by YouTube.
 
VEVO is created for consumers, advertisers and content owners, and blends the very best in top-notch music content with YouTube's leading edge video technology and user community. The content will be made available on YouTube, on VEVO.com, the service's marquee destination site, and through a special VEVO branded embedded player. The service will also serve as a syndication platform for additional internet destination sites, expanding the reach of the VEVO brand across the worldwide web.
 
About EMI Music
 
 
EMI Music is one of the world's leading music companies. EMI Music represents artists spanning all musical tastes and genres. Its record labels include Angel, Astralwerks, Blue Note, Capitol, Capitol Latin, Capitol Nashville, EMI Classics, EMI CMG, EMI Records, Manhattan, Mute, Parlophone and Virgin. Its EMI Music Services unit provides EMI's roster of artists - as well as independent labels and artists - with a global menu of commercial services and seamless access to an expanding range of revenue streams
 
Contact:
 
Jennifer L. Press, VEVO, 212.331.2226
 
Jeanne Meyer, EMI Music, 212.786.8850