Aussie Streaming Service Songl Soft-Launches

New-look music streaming service Songl, a joint venture between Southern Cross Austereo, Universal Music and Sony Music, has soft-launched online.

Coming out of a recent closed-beta phase where the service was remodelled, a representative from Southern Cross Austereo told theMusic.com.au today that the official launch will take place next week. The service is, however, available to use and has a 30-day free trial open now.

Songl CEO Mark Shaw told theMusic, “We're excited to bring Songl to life and will have full details of how we'll get Australia closer to music streaming next week, watch this space!”

Claiming to have a catalogue of over 100,000 artists, the latest streaming service to launch (or re-launch) in the crowded Australian market will hope cross promotion from Southern Cross Austereo's radio platforms and label partnerships, finalised last October, will legitimise it for Australian listeners. Currently only available in Australia, the service costs $12.99 per month after the free trial.

There was an explosion of streaming services in Australia last year, with Songl sponsoring ARIA's #1s Chart Awards industry event to maintain a profile. Many streaming services have been offering deals to secure vital market share this year.

More Australian-based streaming services are expected to enter the market this year.