RIAA Takes on Muxtape

Muxtape.com, a site that allows users to send free digital “mixtapes” to friends via uploaded MP3s, is the next in line to do battle with the Record Industry Association of America. The Muxtape website currently says, “Muxtape will be unavailable for a brief period while we sort out a problem with the RIAA.”

Muxtape.com, a site that allows users to send free digital “mixtapes” to friends via uploaded MP3s, is the next in line to do battle with the Record Industry Association of America. The Muxtape website currently says, “Muxtape will be unavailable for a brief period while we sort out a problem with the RIAA.”

Though the New York-based site is only five months old, it has already become popular amongst those wishing to spread the love of new music with friends and family. Each mix created could hold up to twelve songs and was shared via a unique URL. There was a “buy” option underneath each song used in a mix.
Justin Oulette, a brain behind Muxtape, explains the purpose of his site, “It is not about downloading and you can’t even search inside them-because its intended purpose is to find new music that you would hopefully then go and buy.”

One problem the RIAA has with Muxtape, however, is that it has become relatively simple to download MP3s from the site, despite efforts in place to prevent users from doing so. Third-party Muxtape Stumbler is one downloading tool to have thrown a virtual wrench in Oulette’s plan.

Oulette is hopeful that he and the RIAA can reach an agreement, though. “No artists or labels have complained. The site is not closed indefinitely. Stay tuned.”