EMI Music's Sandbox

The labels have been heavily criticized over the years for making it difficult for companies and entrepreneurs to get music licenses. But times are changing, and that shift is reflected in a new initiative by EMI Music. “OpenEMI” is a new program where developers can license certain EMI songs with a minimum of hassles. EMI has so far made about 12,000 songs available for the program. Developers can access these songs for a standardized fee involving a revenue split. EMI will reportedly keep 60% for distribution to rights holders, while the other 40% is split between the developers and Echo Nest.