SONG CORPORATION LAUNCHING FOREPLAY
By Adnews Staff
Toronto-based independent music company The Song Corporation is giving Canadians the opportunity to listen to an album up to four times before deciding whether to buy it outright. Foreplay discs will be available at major music retailers across Canada beginning February 2001. The discs are integrated computer and Internet-based CDs that offer consumers a restricted play version of a complete album. The discs also link consumers to the artist's Web page, allowing them to view photos as well as listen to an unreleased live track. After deciding whether or not to buy the album, consumers can "unlock" their disc for unlimited play by purchasing a key online. They can also purchase the "regular" version of the CD online for less than the normal price from the original retailer or purchase the "regular" version of the CD from an off-line retailer with a coupon. Song Corporation developed Foreplay discs in conjunction with Microsoft Corporation's Digital Media Division and Reciprocal, Inc. of New York. The first album to be distributed through the Foreplay platform will be "Digitally Organic" by the Pocket Dwellers. Additional releases from Maestro, The Grapes of Wrath, The Special Guests!, Molly Johnson and Plasticine are planned. Public relations for The Song Corporation are handled by Edelman Public Relations of Toronto.