Beggars Group inks deal with free music network Qtrax

Qtrax, the legal P2P music service that looked dead on arrival in late January, seems like it could actually do quite all right for itself. The company recently signed a digital license contract with Beggars Group, home of indie label giants Matador Records, Beggars Banquet, 4AD, XL Recordings and several others.

Despite spurns from the music industry and online media, the beta version of the free, ad-based music sharing network launched early this year. As for the major labels, Universal signed a contract with Qtrax in 2006 (it's currently lapsed), but both have yet to mention anything certain about whether they'll be working together in '08.

The latest deal proves an immense step for the network's possible indie music selection. With the Beggars Group agreement, Qtrax expanded its ability to host hot new artists such as Beirut, M.I.A. and TV on the Radio, as well as double-platinum-level catalogues, including hits by The Cult, Pixies and The Prodigy.

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