1.
The Evolving Music Marketplace.
Consumers are changing the fundamental ways that they
interact with all media, demanding wider choice, 24/7
geographically unencumbered access, and customization.
According to a recent IPSOS – Reid survey, 76%
of Canadians have downloaded music, while Forrester
Research estimates that U.S. sales of digitally downloaded
music will exceed $2 billion by 2007.
2. The Expanding Medium.
International Data Corporation forecasts that worldwide
broadband connections will increase from 34.8 million
in 2001 to 197.8 million in 2006 with the number of
people accessing the Internet increasing from approximately
507 million users worldwide in 2001 to 963 million
in 2006.
3. Getting The Message Out.
Word of mouth is having an impact on the buying process
as it moves increasingly online. Amazon.com, mp3.com
and other web giants have pioneered easy access and
peer-to-peer recommendations to drive consumer interest.
4. Who Is Sound Revolution’s Audience?
CharityTunes.com is building a large catalogue of
diverse music in various genres to appeal to people
over 30, the fastest growing segment of digital music
buyers. This market segment has also demonstrated
an interest in ethical purchasing and responsible
consumerism.
5. What Makes Sound Revolution Different?
Online fundraising is an emerging market that has
grown significantly over the past six years. Charities
are beginning to recognize that they must pursue new
ways of generating revenue through the Internet.
6. How Does CharityTunes.com Fund Important
Causes?
Traditionally, revenues from music sales have been
divided amongst many interests, with the musicians
typically receiving less than $2 on a CD selling for
$19.95. Charity Tunes enables artists to sell music
downloads directly to their fans, cutting out the
costs associated with the manufacturer, record label,
distributor and expensive promotional campaigns. This
frees up more revenues to go directly to the artist,
and to Charity Tunes that then disburses 8 to 10%
to charities and non-profit organizations. This innovative
distribution model also gives traditional labels and
distributors potential untapped sources of revenue
by exposing lesser-known artists to new audiences,
who may, in turn, seek out complete albums by that
musician.
7. Why Do Artists Want To Be Involved?
Sound Revolution is poised to establish CharityTunes.com
as the leading source for independent music content.
Many musicians spend considerable time and effort
on fundraising activities and charitable causes. This
site allows artists to make a difference, while also
expanding their audience and support base, and FanPro
enables them to access their supporters directly.
8. How Will Fans Find Out About CharityTunes.com?
Consumers will discover CharityTunes.com through a
variety of means including: powerful Internet tools
like search engine optimization; purchased key words;
permission-based email; artist calibre; links to musician,
record label or other affiliate sites; user referrals;
editorials in other music portals, plus the involvement
of charities and non-profit organizations who directly
benefit from supporters accessing the download options.
This grassroots approach lessens bottom-line costs
while increasing revenues to the artist and the causes
involved. An ongoing publicity outreach also generates
positive media profile.
9. Market Differentiation.
The essential difference between Charity Tunes and
other download music sites lies in Sound Revolution’s
commitment to appeal to consumers with a conscience
by allowing them to do something good while purchasing
music.
10. Technology For The Future.
Sound Revolution partners with manufacturers of portable
music devices and distributes music in MP3, a widely
accepted format compatible with the majority of music-playing
devices. The Charity Tunes engine is a searchable
database of audio files available for download, linked
to a companion database of Charities. The songs are
available for purchase individually, or in albums
that are offered at low cost.
