Songlines Magazine has had a major digital overhaul, new look website, iPhone app and now you can also subscribe to the magazine in digital format. Not much good if you drop your iPhone or laptop in the bath but that's not the point, subscribers can now save 50% from the price of the print edition, view the magazine from any computer anywhere in the world, have access to back issues as they become available and enjoy 25% off printed back issues with their covermount cd. For a test run of the new digital version of the magazine, go to the Songlines website where you'll find a copy of the 50th celebratory edition in glorious digital. Read on for more details of the iPhone app.
Press release : Songlines, the leading world music magazine, has announced its latest venture: the launch of a free app that will allow iPhone and iPod touch users to embark upon a veritable sonic safari. Audio samples, photography, features, interviews and reviews spanning music from right across the globe have become available with fingertip proximity for the first time – and the possibilities are vast.
Last year iTunes included the Songlines Podcast in its coveted ‘Best of 2008’ selection; in 2009 Songlines is developing its interactive arm further, introducing Songlines Digital and now adding an iPhone app to its varied platforms. While the print edition of Songlines continues to build its diverse readership and strong presence on the newsstands, the company is taking full advantage of new and exciting ways of providing unique and exceptional content to a widening audience.
‘This is what apps are all about,’ comments Songlines Publisher Paul Geoghegan, ‘creating an experience which takes you off on tangents - and with the Songlines app, a global music discovery. It gives consumers the opportunity to read, sample and purchase music simply and effectively. We’re already working on including more material from the Songlines archive, as well as adding new content, including the new official UK world music album chart, and a full index of the Songlines podcasts.’
With a strong background in developing innovative technology, Pilkington Bedwell have enthusiastically embraced the iPhone and now have over 30 apps on the iTunes App Store including the popular itikkit range which helps iPhone users browse and buy on the fly.
‘We are very excited to be working with Songlines,’ says Chris Bedwell, ‘our apps are downloaded from Argentina to Venezuela, but this is a first for us - a great world music app based on a great world music magazine, now available to a truly global audience united by a love of music. It demonstrates the power and reach of the iTunes App Store and would have been inconceivable before the arrival of the iPhone. ’
The Current Features and Functions of the Songlines iPhone app include.
- TOP OF THE WORLD LISTS:
- Access to the Editor’s selection of the best world music releases, together with a 30-second audio sample from each, the full album review and links through to iTunes to buy and download the music, as well as further listening recommendations by artist/genre
- EXCLUSIVE GUEST PLAYLISTS:
- World music playlists chosen by guests from Kate Bush to Pelé, together with a 30-second audio sample from each track they select, and a full interview with each guest
- BEGINNER’S GUIDES:
- In-depth introductions to essential world music artists, supported by discographies and further artist suggestions
iPhone and iPod touch users will be able to enjoy the launch version of the Songlines world music app for free. This app includes ‘Top of the World’ lists from the last four issues of the magazine, the playlists of Andrew Kershaw, Philip Pullman, Rob da Bank and Karl Hyde, and Beginner’s Guides including Tony Allen and Eleftheria Arvanataki.
