Deezer, the world’s largest streaming music service, is moving into Canada in a big way this summer with a title sponsorship for the upcoming North by Northeast festival. Though Deezer has been live in Canada for some time, this marks the company’s first big brand push into the public eye as it intends to compete directly with Rdio, Slacker Radio and even terrestrial radio for ear time.
The company has also hired an industry veteran, Justin Erdman, as Managing Director of Canadian operations, with the intention of furthering Deezer’s claim to both Canadian and international music: “We provide a connected, truly-Canadian music sharing and listening experience that appeals to every Canadian. Deezer Canada provides access to a comprehensive and extensive music catalogue, curated by editorial staff immersed in the industry.”
Deezer provides on-demand song and album listening along with curated playlists and radio stations, and at its Premium+ level mobile apps for iOS, Android and legacy BlackBerry devices. This year it is taking it outside by being Presenting Partner of the Main Stage of Yonge and Dundas Square’s outdoor concert series during NXNE, and will host a VIP section during The National’s show on June 14th.
Deezer has also announced it has crossed over the 4 million Premium+ subscriber mark — those who pay the equivalent of $9.99/month for mobile access and extra features — up from 3 million in December.
Though it has a long way to go to compete with Rdio in Canada, who made a big public play during last year’s NXNE festival, Deezer seems to be on the right track here. It boasts one of the largest music libraries of any streaming service and appears to have some albums that aren’t available on Rdio.
