Amazon.com Launches Free Music Downloads Community

Posted on March 7, 2001

Online retailer Amazon.com has announced the launch of its new free music downloads community. The resource provides thousands of free MP3 and Liquid Audio downloads of major label and independent artists, artist uploads and a virtual tip jar. At launch, the free music downloads area will offer music fans free downloads from the Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, Coldplay, Barenaked Ladies and the Eagles. In addition, fans will be able to download tracks from the upcoming Red Hot + Indigo album, including songs by Mary J. Blige, The Roots, Medeski Martin & Wood, Kenny Burrell and others.

Amazon.com's free music downloads area also provides services and exposure opportunities for independent artists. Fans can support their favorite artist by leaving donations via virtual tip jars. Independent musicians can also upload songs for free downloading.

``We've created the first free music downloads community that benefits everyone involved: fans, artists and labels,'' said Andy Jassy, general manager of Amazon.com's Music store. ``Fans can check out great free music in MP3 and Liquid Audio, artists get exposure to more than 30 million customers -- driving CD sales and tips -- and labels benefit from a proven way to market their artists' releases.''

Liquid Audio, Inc. is providing digital music delivery services for free promotional downloads offered through Amazon.com's free music downloads area, including encoding, hosting, delivery and reporting services. Amazon.com and Liquid Audio have been working together for about two years on the distribution of free promotional downloads.