Originally published in Foundations magazine · August 1994
Major Labels Stand On-Line
News1 min read
Warner Bros. Records has announced their plans for an innovative new music preview service to be offered to subscribers of both America Online and CompuServe online services. This service will allow fans to download samples of new releases well before their arrival in stores. The preview files will be contained within libraries accessible by typing in a simple command code. Libraries will contain a complete list of new records/tracks offered for preview. Users will be able to download 30 second sound bytes of new releases from various WEA artists. EastWest, a WEA subsidiary label, has big online plans for the upcoming release of the second LP by progressive hard rock artists Dream Theater. EastWest will make the first single ‘Lie’ from the much anticipated new Dream Theater LP Awake available in both its full length and several 30 second sound byte formats. The label plans to make an additional song from the LP available every two weeks until the release date on October 4th. In addition to sound bytes, users will also be able to download album artwork, lyrics, the band’s bio, press reviews, artist profile information, band photos, and answers to questions electronically mailed to Dream Theater by current users of the internet and major online services. Future WEA releases currently scheduled for addition to the service include: Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Dinosaur Jr., the Cult, Grant Lee Buffalo, Prince, American Music Club, Little Texas, and Laurie Anderson.
—David Jansen