by: Donna Tam | CNET.com

Indie music and the Associated Press -- it's an odd couple, all right. But the AP is launching a new effort aimed at letting its subscribers use contemporary music as soundtracks or background.

Those who use the AP's photo library will now have access to original music via an agreement with Audiosocket, the two companies announced. AP Images, AP's photo licensing unit, will let customers download music for use in creative projects using the digital music licensing company's platform.