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Jun 14, 2006

def jux launched an mp3 store · by Rafi Kam

I didn’t notice this until last week but it’s pretty big news. Indie label Def Jux recently launched their own mp3 store.

According to an LA Times article, “to get the site running, Def Jux has suspended the release of all physical products until 2007”. In case you were curious, this halt in all physical product goes in effect after this month’s Mr. Lif album drops.

Getting set to offer their own MP3s for sale instead of depending on itunes is a brilliant move by Def Jux. With a huge internet following for many of their artists, Def Jux is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a move like this. So as El-P’s old group Company Flow had once done, Def Jux can now take advantage of a changing landscape to build branding as the guys crazy enough to shake things up and buck the system (itunes). This time around it’s to show off how the definition of what a label is should be changing.

If you ask me the even bigger move will be if they can deliver on what this article claims which I don’t see mentioned anywhere at the Def Jux site:

“Further, the label has established a new venture, DJRX Inc., to set up service for other indies similarly wishing to cut out the Internet middleman.”

So instead of just bucking the system, build the new system. Become the better middleman. I’m curious as hell if the reporter got it wrong or if that kind of service for any would-be music distributor is really what Def Jux will be offering aside from Aesop Rock MP3’s.

In related news, my next feature will be a Mr. Lif line-for-line. It should be up by next week.

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