UK music assault on Chinese web

Katie Melua is one of the UK's leading female artists

Chinese pop and rock fans will be able to stream free music from UK artists on the web thanks to a deal by the Association of Independent Music (AIM).

An agreement with China's biggest internet service provider means 180m Chinese users will be able to hear samples from artists like Katie Melua.

Users of SINA will also be able to stream video clips in the deal which is due to be signed on 13 April.

Other bands involved include Basement Jaxx, Stereophonics and the Prodigy.

The Prodigy's 1997 hit Smack My Bitch Up sparked outrage in China when it was released but a spokesman for AIM said it would be sensitive in its choice of tracks.

Controversial

"Obviously there are some tunes we won't be putting forward for this. We intend to work within the system. Every single song will be vetted and those that aren't suitable won't be used.

"We will be avoiding music with specific sex and drug references," he said.

SINA will provide a dedicated music area for the artists on its homepage.

Other artists are expected to come on board once the project has got off the ground.

The AIM hopes this will help the UK gain a foothold in the lucrative Chinese recorded music market, which has more than doubled in value in the last five years.

"The chance to put British music in front of up to 180 million people is fantastic," said Alison Wenham, chairman and chief executive of AIM.

Record companies will not be paid for the service - legislation is still being developed in China to reimburse labels for streaming entire tracks.

The move follows the opening of a UK music services office in Beijing last year by the AIM, offering advice to independent labels on how to make contacts in the country.