MUMBAI: Startup Internet company GroopEase has announced the launch of its group-buying, members-only music website, offering daily deals on digital albums featuring emerging independent bands and solo artists.

GroopEase was founded to help rising musical talent obtain wider fan bases and to simplify the music discovery process for consumers. The company will initially offer members 2-3 album deals per week, at discounts of up to 75% off the retail price. Each promotion will highlight a different Groop of the Day,... and will also include album reviews, videos, and one free song download.

The founders of GroopEase, Matthew Firlik, Damien Amey, and Andrew Bratt, announced in a statement, Today is a landmark day for emerging musicians, music lovers and everyone who thinks the current distribution system needs rejuvenating. Rising artists now have a simpler, more cost-effective way to conduct direct-to-fan marketing to the people who want their music most....

The statement continued, No longer will geographic or financial limitations prevent talented musicians from casting the widest possible net, nor will busy music lovers have to spend countless hours trying to discover new artists. It truly has never been easier....

The inaugural GroopEase promotion featured the Filthy Violets, winners of The Deli LA's Best of 2010 Fans' Poll, and the exclusive release of Lackluster Blvd., selling for $4.99 on GroopEase.com. The company has not disclosed the duration of each offering.

GroopEase is planning targeted offers in various musical genres in the coming weeks. Members will have the ability to opt into and out of whichever genres they prefer.

The company has partnered with approximately 20 music websites for cross-promotional purposes. Chris Atto, editor of DailyBeatz.com, is bullish on the possibilities for GroopEase.

As a music blogger, I'm always on the hunt for new music and trying to promote lesser known artists, so it's exciting to see that GroopEase is completely dedicated to the same things that I am,... said Atto. It's a service that's beneficial to everyone, both the artists and the fans....