(CelebrityAccess News Service) — RealNetworks has launched Down the Alley, a new series that gives music fans access to exclusive live performances and interviews from established and emerging artists through RealNetworks' groundbreaking RealPlayer 10 media player and the Rhapsody Internet jukebox service. The series kicks off with a live set from Nashville-based recording artist Mindy Smith, whose well-received debut album One Moment More was released earlier this year on Vanguard Records.
RealNetworks offers video footage of Down the Alley performances through the Music Guide section of RealPlayer 10's Real Guide, where music fans can also enjoy free music videos, complete CD listening parties, and more than 3,000 Internet radio stations. Full, high-fidelity audio clips of Down the Alley performances are available for on-demand listening through the Rhapsody service and for sale through RealPlayer 10's integrated music download store. The company has already recorded a number of performances for upcoming episodes, including the Trampoline Records Showcase (debuting the week of March 8th) with performances from Minibar, Nadine, Jukebox Junkies, and Rami Jaffee of the Wallflowers, and a live set from Something Corporate (week of March 22nd).
Down the Alley interviews and performances are taped at RealNetworks' studios in Seattle, where artists can unwind from their grueling tour schedule by bowling at the company's in-house bowling alley and perform in a relaxed setting conducive to delivering memorable performances. The artists choose their own material for these performances.
"We've created an environment where artists can do what they do best — play great music — and it shows," said Tim Quirk, executive editor of RealNetworks' Rhapsody editorial staff. "Down the Alley sessions capture musicians playing music from the heart, and we love the fact we can give fans the power to enjoy these exclusive performances however they like: by watching the videos for free, listening to the songs in Rhapsody or buying downloads in the RealPlayer Music Store." –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
