A new DRM-free music download service is set to come online, offering songs from big-name bands artists for less than the prices on iTunes.

The link-up between Warner Music and 7digital.com means the record company's back catalogue will be available on the digital music sales website, and the tunes can be played on any brand of mp3 player, unlike most of the songs from iTunes, which is protected by Digital Rights Management software and can only be played on iPods. 7digital.com will also offer albums for £5 (€6.50) for a limited time, significantly undercutting the price of iTunes albums. The Warner Music deal, which applies to Europe, means 80 per cent of 7digital.com's tracks will be DRM-free.