UNIVERSAL STARTS GETTING ITS MONEY'S WORTH FROM MP3.COM

Island Def Jam and MP3.com have inked a strategic partnership pact for several marketing and promotion initiatives and first dibs on Michael Robertson's old office audio system. Some of the first projects include showcasing acts throughout MP3.com, and in e-mail promotions including MP3.com's Singleserving—the webco's targeted marketing e-mail. MP3.com will also create and maintain webpages for IDJ artists, with the label group receiving preferred access to MP3.com's menu of music services. Staffers at IDJ will also be able to park in the employee lot when they're down in San Diego.

Said MP3.com VP and Head of Label Marketing and Promotion Rick Walker: "We are pleased to be partnering with a record label of the caliber of the Island Def Jam Music Group. This commitment demonstrates Island Def Jam's eagerness to embrace new technologies and innovative new ways to reach music fans throughout the world. We are excited at this opportunity to further showcase the many ways that MP3.com can help record labels reach music fans, promote their music and ultimately increase record sales. And it's so nice to sit down with label people without lawyers present."

Added IDJ VP New Media Larry Mattera: "Based on the success of marketing programs that MP3.com has developed for us in the past with Sum 41 and American Hi-Fi, we're delighted to make this long-term commitment to ensure that our artists get maximum online exposure. MP3.com is a clear leader in the digital music space and they make it easy for us to reach the fans who are interested in our brand of music. And please give my regards to that very clever lad Joe Fleischer. Whaddaya mean he doesn't work there anymore?"