Starbucks to distribute iTunes "Song of the day" cards
September 24th, 2007
Dave Caolo
When the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store at Starbucks launches in New York and Seattle on Tuesday, October 2nd, the coffee giant will be armed with promotions.
First of all, they'll distribute 1.5 million "Song of the day" cards across 10,000 locations. Each card will provide a free single from artists like Bob Dylan (Of course - Steve loves Dylan. In fact, Dylan's "Joker Man" will be the first giveaway), Paul McCartney and Dave Matthews via iTunes (US). They'll be valid until the end of 2007.
Also, select Starbucks locations will sell "iTunes Digital Release Cards," which allow customers to download music and bonus materials (like music videos and digital booklets) from artists like KT Tunstall and Eddie Vedder. These must be activated at Starbucks before use in the iTunes Store (US).
Finally, they'll also be selling the "Starbucks Card Plus Two"; a re-chargable coffee card that includes two free downloads from iTunes (US).
If you're unfamiliar with the partnership, the iPhone and iPod Touch will be equipped with software that can "detect" a nearby Starbucks (in participating locations), and allow customers to purchase the song playing over the store's stereo system directly from those devices. Starbucks will provide free wireless access to the Wi-Fi iTunes Music Store (and only the Wi-Fi iTunes Music Store - meaning you've still got to pay for wireless internet, email, etc.).
New York and Seattle will pilot the program, with more major metropolitan locations being added throughout 2008 and 2009.
In short, they're really going to push this thing. Since the launch date of the joint venture is Oct. 2nd, we probably won't see the Wi-Fi iTunes Music Store on our iPhones or iPod Touches before then. Bummer.
Song of the Day List:
10/2 Bob Dylan, Jokerman
10/3 KT Tunstall, One Day
10/4 Joni Mitchell, Night of the Iguana
10/5 Keith Urban, I Told You So
10/6 Emily King, Moon
10/7 Mavis Staples, We Shall Not Be Moved
10/8 Ceu, Roda (Bomba Dub Orchestra Grateful Dub Radio Mix)
10/9 Band of Horses, No One's Gonna Love You
10/10 Gloria Estefan, 90 Millas
10/11 Fine Frenzy, You Picked Me
10/12 John Legend, Show Me
10/13 John Fogerty, Gunslinger
10/14 Patti Scialfa, Looking for Elvis
10/15 Herbie Hancock, Maiden Voyage
10/16 Angie Stone, Happy Being Me
10/17 Annie Lennox, Dark Road
10/18 Brandi Carlile, Turpentine
10/19 Alice Smith, New Religion
10/20 Rogue Wave, Lake Michigan
10/21 Alice Russell, Hurry On Now (Featuring TM Juke)
10/22 Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Grace is Gone
10/23 Sonya Kitchell, I'm In Love With You
10/24 bitter:sweet, Heaven (Nicola Conte Remix)
10/25 Greyboy w/ Sharon Jones, Got To Be A Love
10/26 Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Sacala Bailar
10/27 Rissi Palmer, Country Girl
10/28 Raul Midon, Pick Somebody Up
10/29 Joss Stone, Tell Me 'Bout It (Live from the Bowery Ballroom)
10/30 Federico Aubele, Maria Jose
10/31 Sara Bareilles, Love Song
11/1 Hilary McRae, Consider Me Gone
11/2 John Mayer, Dreaming With A Broken Heart
11/3 Galactic, I Got It (What You Need)
11/4 Bebel Gilberto, Um Segundo
11/5 Suzanne Vega, Frank & Ava
11/6 Sia, Day Too Soon
11/7 Paul McCartney, Only Mama Knows