Google Music Debuts, Rdio Expands

For a monthly fee of A$11.99 (US$11.03), subscribers can store up to 20,000 tracks from their personal libraries or stream songs from curated radio stations.

Ruuben van den Heuvel, head of music partnerships at Google Play, emphasized the Australian version is programmed with local content. Meanwhile, Rdio beefed up its presence in the Australian market, and brought in former MTV executive Paola Cracknell as its head of music and media partnerships. It will work closely with Aussie acts to provide “exclusive content” for its global subscribers and, she says, “supporting (them) with strong marketing campaigns and real marketing dollars.” Rdio plans to become more involved in tours, music events and tours.