Popkomm may be taking a rest, but action is still bubbling in Berlin.  That includes SoundCloud, a company that is gradually roping marquee users and growing its base. SoundCloud is focused on more controlled transfers of music between different parties, essentially replacing more traditional promo CDs and less-targeted distributions like MySpace Music.  It also aims to supersede other delivery methods like email, FTP, and YouSendIt.

Just think “Flickr for music” and you’ve grasped the concept.  That makes sense for artists, producers, and others wanting to keep things fluid and private, or those wanting better portability into different environments.  Those already on board include Moby, Beck, Sonic Youth, and Lily Allen, as well as Ninja Tune, BBC Radio, and Drowned In Sound.  The company now claims a population of 160,000 artists, labels, producers, journalists, and fans.

But what about those with less collaborative interests, for example, fans wanting to distribute copyrighted works without permission?  On that point, the company pointed to a number of controls, including limitations on uploading for non-paying customers.

A self-policing aspect also kicks in.  “The community helps out,” SoundCloud’s Christian Ward told Digital Music News.  “Every track has a ‘report this track’ button that sends us an email for review.”