Recording Artists help launch the Zune Ignition Program By Christine Albrecht

Swedish pop sensation Robyn is the latest artist to be featured in the Zune Ignition program, and has released the track "Konitchiwa Bitches (Menta Mix)" exclusively on Zune Marketplace as a companion feature to the full album download of her latest release Robyn.

Throughout the month of May, Zune Marketplace will also be offering fans the free track "Be Mine (Wasted Youth Mix)", an exclusive Guestlist featuring tracks hand-picked by Robyn herself, and a track-by-track Breakdown of the self-titled album. MSN is streaming an exclusive video piece titled "Eclipse (Goofy)," which is also available as a free download through Xbox Live. Windows Media will be highlighting these features throughout the month.

The Zune Ignition program gives recording artists with new releases a unique channel to potentially reach tens of millions of consumers.

For the first time, Microsoft has packaged promotional opportunities across Zune, Xbox and MSN to help artists more efficiently reach consumers in all three audiences. Ignition provides a steady stream of new music through online access to exclusive content, free songs and video downloads, streaming videos, editorial features, and artist playlists. Participants in the Ignition program have included Hot Chip, Ryan Adams, Talib Kweli, Duran Duran, Maximo Park, Band of Horses, Kenna, Freeway, Rogue Wave, and The Black Dahlia Murder

Zune is the only digital entertainment brand that delivers an all-in-one experience featuring a portable media player, online store + music community, and DRM-free Mp3s. With Zune Pass, consumers can explore millions of tracks for the price of one CD ($14.99) per month.

(Pictures from Zune)