Today ReverbNation is officially launching Sponsored Songs, a program that Hypebot covered previously that offers fans access to unlimited free mp3 downloads from 1,000 mostly indie artists. In addition to the promotional value, artists are compensated for the downloads thanks to a sponsorship from Microsoft's Windows
A passive ad is embedded alongside the cover art that is seen whenever the track is played offering the advertiser ongoing exposure without disrupting track portability or the fan's listening experience. Sponsored Songs will be available free June 24 thru September 24th at MySpace.com/Windows and will feature music from independent and mainstream artists across all genres.
“Ad-supported music models have historically been unable to deliver the value required by advertisers because they focus on the point of acquisition alone - one moment with one music fan,” explains Jed Carlson, COO of ReverbNation. “Sponsored Songs aligns the interests of artists, fans, and major brands, creating a win-win-win situation where free music is a shared goal that benefits all parties.”
ARTISTS BENEFIT TOO
Sponsored Songs is an opt-in program for select artists that use ReverbNation.com as their online marketing platform. They are paid for each qualified download and are shown the exact advertisement for prior to the campaign launch. “We treat Artists like we would want to be treated,” says Lou Plaia, vice president of artist relations at ReverbNation.com.
“Since version 1.0 of Windows, Microsoft has focused on developing technology that helps individuals be as creative as they can be. By participating in Sponsored Songs we are supporting music artists and their fans,” said Marty Collins, group marketing manager of Windows Consumer Marketing at Microsoft Corp. “We’re excited to be a part of an effort that could transform online music distribution.”
