Rock Band Network Goes Live

Rock Band's user-generated online store, the Rock Band Network, has launched today, a new endeavor MTV says is designed to allow musicians and labels to submit, produce and promote their own tracks for the band video game. The program, which allows users to independently create and sell playable Rock Band tracks through developer Harmonix's Xbox Live-based store, was announced in July 2009 and has been in beta for months. MTV Networks and its parent, Viacom, also announced today that mobile service provider T-Mobile will be a launch partner for the Rock Band Network starting next month -- together, the companies will develop an "artist of the month" feature aimed to showcase "new talent" to Rock Band users. "The Rock Band Network Music Store gives artists at any level the opportunity to reach new fans through our deeply engaging interactive platform," says MTV Networks Music Group SVP of Electronic Games and Music Paul DeGooyer. "This new pathway for discovery is a huge win for passionate music fans, as well as an opportunity for artists to promote themselves while positively impacting their bottom line." Artists who submit songs for the Network can select from multiple pricing tiers per track, and receive 30 percent royalties for every track purchased through the Store. Currently more than 100 tracks are available to purchase from artists like The Shins, Of Montreal and more -- commercial artist songs not available through traditional Rock Band track backs may offer songs for sale through the Network. Alex Rigopulos, founder of Rock Band developer Harmonix, comments: "The response to and interest in the Rock Band Network has been even greater than we originally expected." Rigopulos adds: "We're very excited about the number of bands and labels who have geared up to participate in the Rock Band Network, as well as the number of enthusiasts who have signed up to participate in the Peer Review and Playtest processes."