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POLLSTAR
www.pollstar.com
Gigs & Bytes
march 1, 1999MP3 continues to make noise in the music industry. The bane of the Recording Industry Association of America, the file format is the "killer app" spurring the public to accept digital downloads as a valid channel of music distribution.
Like the ads for last year's "Godzilla," size does matter, but in this case, smaller is better. The CD standard file format only allows for just over an hour's worth of music, but MP3's file compression scheme pushes the amount of music per CD envelope with the result being more music per CD.
Indie fav Day By The River has taken advantage of MP3's file compression to release a four-hour long live CD, all in the MP3 format and comprising the band's last two years on the road. Funded by independent label Lauan Records, the limited edition release will be available starting March 9th. Copies can be ordered through the band's site, or at Lauan's site. Each CD includes MP3 player software packages WinAmp, MacAmp and FreeAmp, ensuring compatibility across a number of platforms whether it be Windows, Macintosh or Linux. The CD will also include HTML pages from the band's Web site and links to sites such as MP3.com and Rioport.com.
"This is something we've been excited to do for our fans for the longest time," boasted Day By The River keyboardist Walt Austin. "We never recorded a live album because of the 74 minute limit on standard CDs. With this new technology we can put an entire show's worth of music on one CD and not compromise the quality."