Artemis Records to Waive Webcast Fees

Artemis Records, home to such artists as country-rock singer Steve Earle and heavy-metal group Kittie, said it would waive fees charged to Internet radio stations that play music from the independent label’s catalog for one year.

Artemis’ decision, which Webcasters said is the first of its kind from a record label, comes against the backdrop of a struggle over royalty rates with the record industry that Internet radio stations say threatens their livelihood.