Liquid Audio announced today (July 8) that it is developing a subscription service, known as The Vault, for Roadrunner Records, Billboard Bulletin reports. The offering, set for launch later this summer, will sell full-ownership downloads in bulk monthly packages as well as on an a la carte basis. Pricing tiers have not been disclosed. Content will comprise new, out of print, and unreleased tracks from Roadrunner acts, including Slipknot, Jerry Cantrell, and Nickelback. "By launching its own digital music club, Roadrunner will provide unique access to its vast catalog and also give rabid fans a chance to raid 'The Vault' for unreleased gems," says Michael Abbattista, senior director of content development and label relations at Liquid Audio, Inc.
Liquid Audio launched a similar service called Burn It First for EMI Christian earlier this year.
-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.
Even though they all can't be in Virginia Beach, Va., on Friday night (July 12), fans of Lenny Kravitz will be able to see the artist open the North American leg of his "Lenny Live" tour live on VH1. The music channel, which along with sister channel MTV is sponsoring the tour, will feature the opening half-hour of Kravitz's concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre beginning at 9 p.m. ET.As previously reported, Kravitz will be on the road in the U.S. through Sept. 2, when he'll close the tout at the Cricket Pavilion in Phoenix. Pink and Abandoned Pools are opening all shows on the jaunt.
-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.
Singer/songwriters Joni Mitchell and Bruce Cockburn were among 99 appointees to the Order of Canada announced by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Mitchell, a Saskatchewan native who wrote and performed songs such as "Big Yellow Taxi," "The Circle Game," and "Both Sides Now," was made a companion of the order, the highest designation.Cockburn, known as much for his outspoken social activism as his folksy music, was promoted to an officer of the order after previously being made a member. Lorne Michaels, founder of "Saturday Night Live" and a nine-time Emmy Award winner, was appointed a member of the order.
The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize Canadians for outstanding lifetime achievement and service.
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