EMUSIC.COM TO OFFER DIGITAL MUSIC DOWNLOAD STARTER KIT

eMusic has just reached out to the mainstream retail consumer with a unique digital music starter kit. The packages, now positioned within Circuit City retailers, offer goodies like artist collector cards and a digital download how-to guide. The kits, which retail for $14.99 each, also offer the buyer an introductory eMusic subscription plan. Other digital music stores position pre-paid digital music cards at physical retailers, though eMusic is hoping to attract music fans with its independent collection and MP3 format. "eMusic tracks play on any device, and we want to make sure consumers know how easy it is to load their digital players with great music - especially the music so often ignored by radio and the other vanilla music stores," explained David Pakman, president and CEO of eMusic.

The starter kits are targeted at a decidedly non-digital music fan. Those consumers may be intimidated by the first steps of downloading music, and are unlikely to signup directly from the Internet. "For consumers new to digital music - those who are buying iPods and other digital music devices - the eMusic digital starter kit offers an easy introduction to digital music,
guides and encourages them to discover new artists, and to rediscover their emotional connection to music," said Pakman. The packages are also available through the Circuit City website.