Thursday, October 30, 2008

Hot Topic launches ShockHound music site

Hot Topic, Inc. (Nasdaq Global Select Market: HOTT) today announced the launch of ShockHound (www.ShockHound.com), the one-stop, genre-spanning music site loaded with millions of MP3s, a vast selection of band merchandise, the latest music videos, and exclusive editorial content.

At launch, ShockHound will offer millions of MP3s and merchandise featuring artists from the major record labels Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group and EMI Music, as well as independent labels. In addition, artists will be able to upload and sell their music directly to users – for emerging artists, ShockHound will provide a unique way of reaching out directly to listeners and fans that extends beyond social networking sites.

“Our goal was to create an authentic, online experience of music discovery,” says Betsy McLaughlin, CEO of Hot Topic, Inc. “A place where fellow music lovers can come together and explore, share their likes and dislikes, read the latest music news and enjoy exclusive content on their favorite artists.”

ShockHound boasts top editorial talent led by editor-in-chief Randy Bookasta, former editor-in-chief at Ray Gun, a groundbreaking alternative rock publication; managing editor Dan Epstein hails from Revolver, a leading hard rock and heavy metal magazine. Content at launch will include reviews, music news, interviews, original programming and music videos. ShockHound encourages its members to be an integral part of the experience, offering users the opportunity to join in the never-ending musical dialogue via user reviews, comment sections and personalized user pages.

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