(Digital Music News) "The Official (RED)WIRE Release: iLike, MSN, W Hotels On Board"

December 1, 2008

The splashy (RED)Wire charitable initiative is now officially debuting, a move that coincides with World AIDS Day.  The initiative, first reported by Digital Music News in early October <http://digitalmusicnews.com/stories/100608red> , is being spearheaded by Bono, backend provider Passalong Networks, and ex-Starbucks and Hear Music pioneer Don MacKinnon.

Now, that participant list also includes MSN, iLike, and the W Hotel chain.  On the artist side, the celebrity-heavy list includes U2, Jay-Z, Coldplay, John Legend, Dixie Chicks, The Killers, Elton John, The Police, Elvis Costello, Death Cab for Cutie and Sheryl Crow.  Exclusive content and performances from those artists can be found at red.msn.com throughout the day on Monday, December 1st.

Then, the action shifts towards an ongoing, magazine-style approach.  Every Wednesday, subscribers will receive a small package of songs and related content.  The monthly subscription fee is $5, half of which is being donated to the Global Fund <http://www.theglobalfund.org>  to fight AIDS in Africa.  The premiere issue, scheduled for delivery December 10th, will feature an exclusive track from Jay-Z.

The W Hotel is joining as a promotional partner, a commitment that involves kick-off parties at various locations throughout the United States.