New York - The Bono-backed (RED) charity for AIDS in Africa plans to launch a subscription-based digital music service on Monday that will offer exclusive tracks from artists including U2, Coldplay, Jay-Z, Elton John and Death Cab for Cutie, among others. The $5 per month (RED)Wire service will each week deliver one exclusive song from a major artist; one track from a lesser-know artist; a multimedia element; and a feature on how proceeds from the service are helping in Africa.

The materials will be automatically delivered to subscribers' iTunes accounts.

"Artists are taking far reduced rates, but we're paying artists and publishers and have created a model to make this sustainable," (RED) Content president Don MacKinnon told Variety.

"It becomes a great avenue for exposure. The idea is a bite-sized (collection) that arrives automatically in your iTunes."

Other artists participating in the project include Bob Dylan, the Dixie Chicks, Elvis Costello, John Legend and TV on the Radio.

Microsoft's MSN site will host the service.

Related Links:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117996407.html

http://snipurl.com/6texz (Billboard)

http://www.redwire.com