ShockHound

ShockHound was an online music download site, retail store and social networking platform launched by Hot Topic in 2008.[1] ShockHound music files were available for download in the MP3 format, making them compatible with most digital music players, and free from digital rights management (DRM) software restrictions.[2] Randy Bookasta (Ray Gun magazine) and Dan Epstein (Revolver magazine) were contributing content editors.[3]

ShockHound
TypeMP3 (.mp3)
Launch dateNovember, 2008 (November, 2008)
DiscontinuedMay 15, 2011 (May 15, 2011)
Platform(s)Any
Statusdefunct
Pricing modelNon Subscription: Per Use
Websitewww.ShockHound.com
Main article: Hot Topic

On March 28, 2011, ShockHound posted an announcement stating they would be shutting down for good on May 15, 2011. [4][5]

Content

ShockHound had an online social networking platform which allowed users to create and share content. Additional website content included music reviews, rock concerts, interviews, music videos, streaming audio, and original programming called Shock Shows, including Taco Tuesday and Stella Can't Cook.[6] ShockHound opened its first retail store in Torrance, California in the Del Amo Fashion Center.

Cross merchandising

In addition to music downloads, music-related merchandise was also available on the website, including band T-shirts, accessories, posters, concert tickets, and Vinyl records. This type of cross merchandising was unique in the digital audio market.[7] ShockHound utilized a proprietary shopping cart functionality which combined music downloads and merchandise purchases into a single transaction.[8]

Concert sponsorships

As part of their opening launch in 2008, ShockHound offered free concerts by No Age, Titus Andronicus and Snow Patrol, to users in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and San Diego.[9][10]

References
  1. Levine, Robert (June 30, 2008). "A Digital Music Store That Sells More Than Just MP3s". The New York Times.
  3. Hot Topic, Inc. Launches Shockhound, New All-In-One Music Site, Gulf Coast Bands, October 30, 2008
  4. "A Very Important Announcement from Shockhound". Shockhound. Archived from the original on April 2, 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
  5. "Hot Topic (HOTT) to Discontinue Shockhound.com Operations; Sees Qtr. Charge of 21c/Share, Updates Q1, FY12 Outlook; Stock Halted". StreetInsider.com. March 28, 2011.
  6. "ShockHound Takes West Coast By Storm With Free Snow Patrol Shows". Reuters (Press release). November 18, 2008. Archived from the original on January 11, 2009.
  7. A digital music store that sells more than MP3s, June 30, 2008
  9. Shockhound Presents: Snow Patrol


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