Microsoft, Epic Partner For Xbox 360 Live Music Content

Microsoft and music giant Epic Records have announced an agreement to make available a full year of exclusive artist content and high-definition music video downloads free for all Xbox 360 gamers. This will include featuring 12 up-and-coming artists through the Artist of the Month (AOM) program via the Xbox Live service, included downloadable videos, and a monthly sweepstakes with a prize of gaming against some of those same musicians through the Xbox Live Game with Fame program. Kicking off the AOM program on Xbox Live is British singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield, who recently captured her second top 10 hit in the U.S. with the single "Unwritten," the follow-up to last year's top 10 hit, "These Words." Her music video "Unwritten" can be downloaded free on Xbox Live, and a sweepstakes later this month will award a winner an opportunity to play against Bedingfield during a Game with Fame session in April. "Our goal has always been to make Xbox Live a cutting-edge entertainment experience," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "This agreement with Epic Records offers our members exclusive artistic content directly from the source. With Artist of the Month we will be providing exactly what music-loving gamers want: brand-new, exclusive music videos that can be downloaded quickly, easily and free of charge." "The fusion of music and video games now plays a significant role in breaking artists and enhancing the video game experience; the cross- cultivation of the two mediums helps new games and new artists thrive together," said Charlie Walk, president of Epic Records. "Through this alliance, Epic and Xbox show that we are in one business -- exciting young adults and leading them to the art of discovery."