Online Record Label Magnatune Delivers the Highest-Quality Music to Consumers Through Latest Technology

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Berkeley, CA (March 10, 2005) - Online record label Magnatune and Samsung spinoff Hana Micron today launch TunePlug-a reusable USB Flash Drive that will feature 10 complete albums from 10 leading Magnatune artists as MP3 files. The newest way to distribute music, TunePlug offers consumers a simple way to experience emerging music on an easy-to-use, transferable information device.

"We are proud to work with Hana Micron on this technology that will allow our artists to be exposed to new audiences," said John Buckman, Magnatune CEO and founder. "TunePlug delivers music in its highest-quality form that can be played anywhere, on any computer or portable device. Our venture marks the first time that music has been distributed to consumers in this way-it's the future of the music industry."

"With consumers always on the go these days, they need to be able to carry their data files and music in devices that can become part of their daily lives. We wanted to combine both needs with the TunePlug product," said Jon Jaroker of Hana Micron. "We chose to partner with Magnatune because of the high quality of their artists and their flexibility as a new kind of record label."

Magnatune is an independent, online record label that hand selects its own artists, sells its catalog of music through online downloads and print-on-demand CDs and licenses music for commercial and non-commercial use. Magnatune offers fair-trade music to consumers by equally sharing all revenue from the sale of albums with artists and allowing artists to retain full rights to their music. Magnatune's portion of the revenue generated from TunePlug sales will similarly be shared evenly with the artists featured on the device.

All music tracks on TunePlug are provided in MP3 format by Magnatune and can be played on any computer or portable music device. Branded with Magnatune packaging, the TunePlug connects to any computer though its USB port and can be used like any hard disk to store and transfer files. Prices for TunePlug are $19.99 for the 64MB; $29.99 for the 128MB; $49.99 for the 256MB; and $69.99 for the 512MB. TunePlug is available through www.magnatune.com and magnatune.memina.com. Magnatune and Hana Micron are also currently in negotiations with several major retail outlets for broader consumer distribution.

The first TunePlug will be launched with Magnatune's "Rock Music Collection, Volume One." The companies anticipate future volumes to be released every six months. TunePlugs will be available in four different memory sizes ranging from 64MB, which will feature a selection of tracks from 10 artists and a link to download the remaining tracks for free on Magnatune.com, to 512MB, which will include the entire albums of all 10 artists.

The artists on "Volume One" include:

- Artemis (groovy electro-pop)
- Arthur Yoria (progressive alternative-rock)
- Brad Sucks (ironic electro-pop)
- Burnshee Thornside (ironic funky blues rock)
- Emmas Mini (electronic rock with a pop edge)
- Fluid (tuneful retro pop rock)
- Jade Leary (progressive, psychedelic rock with a dark edge)
- Myles Cochran (folky, shoe-gazing, relaxed rock)
- The Kokoon (1980s-style new wave rock)
- Tom Paul (rock meets modern folk)

Magnatune TunePlug - Rock Music Collection Volume One - Photo courtesy of Magnatune

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About Magnatune

Founded in 2003, Magnatune (www.magnatune.com) is an independent, online record label that hand selects its own artists, sells its catalog of music through online downloads and print-on-demand CDs and licenses music for commercial and non-commercial use. Based on the principle that "we are not evil," the company offers fair-trade music to consumers by equally sharing all revenue from the sale of albums with artists and allowing artists to retain full rights to their music. All music can be previewed free of charge with a "try before you buy" philosophy. Customers can also choose how much they want to pay for the music with pricing ranging from $5-18 for a downloadable album or print-on-demand CD. Magnatune is a music business where everybody wins.

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Editor's Note: Samples and photos of TunePlug are available. Please contact Jennifer Parson for more information at 415-561-0888.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Magnatune.
Press: Email Teresa Malango or call her at (510) 289-3781.