eMusic Announces Partnership With Independent Film Channel
eMusic Takes Formidable Music Expertise to TV; Indie Artists Get Video Exposure on IFC, Web and More
NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2006 eMusic (www.emusic.com), the no. 1 site for independent music and the worlds largest retailer of independent music, announced today that it has partnered with the Independent Film Channel (IFC) to create a program called eMusic Dozens: The IFC Soundtrack. The program will premiere on IFC on Monday, October 30. It also will be distributed on eMusics website, through video-sharing sites, and through additional eMusic marketing partners.
The partnership extends eMusics formidable music expertise beyond the web, bringing its passion for finding great independent music to millions of IFC viewers and creating an important new avenue of visibility for independent artists. eMusics expert staff worked closely with IFC to create a program that perfectly marries independent music and independent film, which have long shared a similar spirit. Employing the same curatorial approach that they bring to eMusic, the staff hand-picked the best in new, noteworthy, and undiscovered independent artists, giving deserved exposure to many acts making important music -- in effect giving the music-junkie staff of the corner record store a megaphone for championing bands.
eMusic Dozens: The IFC Soundtrack brings the eMusic Dozen, one of the sites most popular features, to life via 12 short video segments. The first episode, titled Independence, introduces viewers to the world of independent music through a captivating video montage that includes concert footage, interviews, animation and found video set to an independent-music soundtrack. Breaking indie artists such as the Hold Steady, Kaki King, RJD2 and Madvillain are featured, plus eclectic gems like Beirut and Konono No. 1, indie stars Bjork and Spoon, and soul/R&B icon Isaac Hayes. Viewers are encouraged to check out the artists online at www.emusic.com/ifc.
Fans of independent film and independent music are intellectually curious, passionate, and eager to discover culture outside the mainstream, said David Pakman, eMusic President and CEO. This is the perfect partnership and brand extension for eMusic. We wanted to find a way to translate our success on the web to other popular media, and not only does it help bring indie artists to a wider audience, it helps our labels break new bands in the process.
eMusic, which has also created branded packaging and content for retail (Circuit City), hotels (Westin) and print (Paste and other magazines), is responsible for a significant portion of independent artists digital sales and has sold more than 85 million tracks in the last three years.
Evan Shapiro, EVP/GM of IFC, said, Much like IFC and our commitment to 'TV. Uncut.,' eMusic gives independent artists a voice, one that can be expressed without censorship or corporate interference. This partnership between our two companies is a very natural linkage that will enable both us to extend our reach and brand awareness.
The second episode, titled A World of Sound, features the Pixies, Supersystem, Nick Cave, Neko Case, Dr. Dog, M. Ward, Baaba Maal, Old Crow Medicine Show, Joanna Newsom, Fiery Furnaces, Michael Franti & Spearhead and the North Mississippi Allstars, and will air in December. Following the success of the pilot, eMusic will produce additional episodes.
The partnership with IFC also includes eMusic television advertising, a joint advertising promotion in the December issue of SPIN magazine, and 10,000 co-branded cards offering 25 free eMusic downloads. eMusic experts also will work with IFC to help select music for upcoming film and television productions.
eMusic Dozens: The IFC Soundtrack airtimes are as follows (please note that television airtime windows are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM; therefore a 10/30 early-morning airdate is technically 10/31):
Episode 1: Independence
Monday, 10/30 12:45 AM
Wednesday, 11/1 12:25 AM
Wednesday, 11/8 12:25 AM
Monday, 11/13 12:25 AM
Sunday, 11/19 1:35 AM
Tuesday, 11/21 6:15 AM
Wednesday, 11/22 12:25 AM
Monday, 11/27 12:40 AM
Friday, 12/1 1:20 PM
Monday, 12/4 12:35 AM
Episode 2: A World of Sound
Wednesday, 12/6 7:10 PM
Sunday, 12/10 2:30 PM
Monday, 12/11 12:25 AM
Tuesday, 12/12 11:35 AM
Saturday, 12/16 6:30 AM
Sunday, 12/17 12:40 AM
Monday, 12/18 12:30 AM
Tuesday, 12/26 6:25 PM
Wednesday, 12/27 12:50 AM
Thursday, 12/28 12:40 PM
About eMusic
eMusic (http://www.emusic.com) is the worlds leading digital retailer of independent music, second only to iTunes in number of downloads sold. The eMusic Web site offers a global catalogue of more than 1.7 million tracks from established and emerging artists in every genre from the worlds leading independent labels. Created by music experts for music fans, it features award-winning editorial content, a vibrant online community and unrivaled music discovery tools. A subscription-based service that offers 25 free downloads at sign-up, eMusic gives consumers an inexpensive, low-risk way to explore great new music they wouldnt find otherwise, and unlike other download services, its universally compatible MP3 files play on any device including the iPod®. Based in New York with an office in London, eMusic.com Inc. is wholly owned by Dimensional Associates, Inc., the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management, Inc.
About Independent Film Channel
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed network dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut, uncensored and commercial-free. The network is part of IFC Companies -- the only brand to operate in every area of independent film to include television, production, financing, distribution, digital, on-demand and exhibition. IFC Companies uses its unique cross-platform position to broaden the audience of independent film and to provide independent filmmakers with a strong voice. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC.
NOTE: eMusic is a registered trademark and eMusic.com is a trademark of eMusic.com Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
| Media Contacts: Cathy Halgas Nevins eMusic 212-201-9201 or cnevins@emusic.com Matt Hanks or Alexis Tedford Shore Fire Media 718-522-7171 mhanks@shorefire.com atedford@shorefire.com |
