Indie label launches innovative CD/MP3 subscription package

Long Beach, CA., June 22, 2005 – Independent label Sounds Are Active has introduced a subscription package available through their website (www.soundsareactive.com) that provides over 10 albums of content plus a DVD for less than $40. The multi-platform subscription includes CD quality (192kps), DRM-free mp3 downloads, physical CD releases and an exclusive live DVD. The package covers present and future releases through the end of 2005.

No stranger to off-the-wall innovation, Sounds Are Active also offers two t-shirts on their website that come with free downloadable music. According to label founder and musician Chris Schlarb they aren’t interested in the ancient formula of brick and mortar distribution, “Our experience with distributors has been spotty at best. If we can offer something unique to our fans I think we stand a better chance of sticking around a while. Obviously people are listening to music differently than they did just five years ago. And by the same token I don’t think you can control music the same way it was controlled a few years ago. With our subscription package you can burn the downloadable albums to CD or rip the CD’s and listen on your iPod and the quality of our mp3’s are much higher than iTunes minus any restrictions on how you can listen to it. So far the feedback has been very positive.”

Included in the subscription package are CD releases from Electric iLL (side project of Viva Voce drummer/singer Kevin Robinson) and Create (!)’s newest free jazz recording which features Raymond Raposa of the Castanets. Among the downloadable releases are Soul-Junk side project Golden Poultry Error and Texas jazz-rockers MakeShift:Shelter. The first mp3 release, an ambient/electronic collaboration from Xn. And Deneir is available now for download. In another interesting twist, all of the downloadable albums are free to the public whether a subscriber or not.

Founded in 1999, Sounds Are Active is an independent record label based out of Long Beach, CA. In addition to releasing jazz, electronic, hip-hop and experimental music, Sounds Are Active has been recognized in teaching, charity and mentoring efforts throughout Los Angeles County parks and schools.