Microsoft Aims to Ignite Careers of New Artists

Microsoft is launching a new program that will give new music artists an opportunity to get discovered by 30 million Zune, MSN, and Xbox users through a program it calls "Ignition."

Participants in the offering will receive a month's worth of prominent placement on Zune Marketplace, Zune.net, MSN's entertainment Web site, and Xbox Live Marketplace. The first band to participate is UK based Maximo Park.

However, Microsoft has strict policies about what content it will use. The bands must agree to an exclusive contract with the Redmond company, and promise to provide exclusive content to Microsoft's entertainment properties.

"Consumers are looking for ways to find new music, and Ignition helps connect artists with potential new fans by giving them multiple opportunities to listen to, watch or read about the artist across Microsoft's online platforms," Zune music marketing head Christina Calio said.

For example, with Maximo Park, Microsoft will allow its users to download free music through Zune.net and the Marketplace, access videos on Xbox Live, and promotional streams and content through its entertainment Web sites.

More information on the band and the program can be found on the Zune Web site.