Microsoft Launches Ignition Program to Help Recording Artists Options

[Xbox-Scene]

Microsoft Launches Ignition Program to Help Recording Artists Posted by XanTium | June 4 20:25 EST | News Category: Xbox360

Already kinda announced yesterday, but here's the official press release: [QUOTE] Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of Ignition, a new program that gives recording artists with new releases a unique channel to reach tens of millions of consumers, whether they are browsing music online, playing games or catching up on the latest news. For the first time, Microsoft has packaged promotional opportunities across Zune, Xbox and MSN to help artists more efficiently reach consumers in all three audiences. In a world where high-impact promotional opportunities for new music can be limited, artists look for ways to make direct connections with their audience and leave a lasting impression. Ignition maximizes exposure for artists by engaging consumers with interesting content and reaching them frequently over a monthlong period through prominent placement on Zune Marketplace, Zune.net, MSN entertainment properties and the Xbox LIVE® Marketplace. For consumers, Ignition provides a steady stream of new music through online access to exclusive content, free song and video downloads, streaming video, editorial features, and artist playlists. "The Ignition program is designed to help artists connect with a substantial consumer audience," said Christina Calio, director of Music Marketing for Zune. "Consumers are looking for ways to find new music, and Ignition helps connect artists with potential new fans by giving them multiple opportunities to listen to, watch or read about the artist across Microsoft's online platforms." The Ignition program launches with the U.K. band Maxïmo Park (Warp Records/Caroline Distribution), whose current album, "Our Earthly Pleasures," debuted at No. 2 on the U.K. charts in April and is receiving significant radio airplay for its single "Girls Who Play Guitars." Throughout the month of June, Ignition will introduce new U.S. fans to this popular U.K. band through free and exclusive music downloads and features on Zune Marketplace and Zune.net, video downloads on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, and promotional video and music streams on MSN Video and MSN Music. [/QUOTE] Full press release here[microsoft.com]

[PerfectGun]

So you got a band that's #2 on the UK charts and is getting regular airplay and this service is going to help them to the needed exposure? Hrm..

What about the tons of indy musicians who need more exposure than someone who is debuting at #2 on the charts? I have a feeling this "privledge" costs a considerable amount of $$$ to MS so only big labels and "established" artists will be able to afford it..

Guess we will see.

[oozingrectum]

So you got a band that's #2 on the UK charts and is getting regular airplay and this service is going to help them to the needed exposure? Hrm..

What about the tons of indy musicians who need more exposure than someone who is debuting at #2 on the charts? I have a feeling this "privledge" costs a considerable amount of $$$ to MS so only big labels and "established" artists will be able to afford it..

Guess we will see.

Well put.

As a musician, I know that all too well... As usual, if you're not rich or popular you get the shaft.

[vintage_guitar]

This sounds like more useless 'news' filler. I could have sworn i chose to filter the news to only get xbox 360 news.. not random crap.

[oozingrectum]

This sounds like more useless 'news' filler. I could have sworn i chose to filter the news to only get xbox 360 news.. not random crap.

Well, it IS related to the Xbox 360....
See: http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=606620

"...a free music video for download on Xbox Live..."