The new iTunes paradigm, release your music as an app

There's a new movement that turns the traditional (if there is such a thing) iTunes store concept on its ear: release your music as an app.

Wired last week reported on an innovative new concept in digital music: pop music ensemble The Presidents of the United States of America have released a special $3 iPhone app that contains all of the music from all of their albums, as well as additional rare and unreleased music and images.

"The possibilities around these open app stores, with Apple being the first and foremost, and hopefully RIM, Android, and others to follow in terms of size and impact -- they've radically changed the mobile application, because they're open," Dederer explained via phone. "You don't have to negotiate, you don't have to go through the process of approval with a big carrier."

Apparently other artists and label like the concept too. Interscope Geffen A&M is launching dedicated iPhone applications for five of its artists including Lady Gaga, the Pussycat Dolls, Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, the All American Rejects, and Keri Hilson.

Is this an end-around Apple's well-oiled digital distribution machine or just another creative way to get music into the iPods of fans?