British recording company EMI Group PLC said Wednesday it signed an agreement with SpiralFrog, an ad-supported music downloading Web site, to provide U.S. Internet users with free access to the world's largest music catalog.
In addition, SpiralFrog's international users will be able to download lyrics from EMI's repertoire, the companies said in a statement. Financial details weren't disclosed.
New York-based SpiralFrog signed a similar agreement with Universal Music Group last month and with the latest contract will be able to provide users with access to a catalog ranging from Pink Floyd to Norah Jones and Kanye West.
The agreement provides advertising for EMI's artists and allows the world's third-largest recording company to "recapture consumer demand, which has been hijacked by online piracy," said Roger Faxon, co-chief executive of EMI Music Publishing.
EMI shares gained 0.6 percent to close at 266.50 pence ($5.06) on the London Stock Exchange.