Wal-Mart Soundcheck(TM) Debuts With Exclusive Studio Performances by Yellowcard and Switchfoot

Wal-Mart Soundcheck(TM) Debuts With Exclusive Studio Performances by Yellowcard and Switchfoot

New, Original Music Performance Series Available at Wal-Mart Stores Nationwide and Online at Walmart.com (www.walmart.com)

BRISBANE, Calif., and BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announces the launch of Wal-Mart Soundcheck(TM), a new, original music performance series dedicated to bringing exclusive, cutting- edge and popular music content to customers both in stores and online at Walmart.com (www.walmart.com).

Wal-Mart Soundcheck gives customers an insider's look at emerging and superstar musicians and bands performing four to six songs in an intimate studio setting, as well as exclusive, in-depth interviews with the artists. The performances are featured nationwide every month in stores on Wal-Mart TV and the HDTV wall in the Electronics department, and are also available digitally to view and download at Walmart.com. The artist selection is a combination of these performers covering an array of music genres, including rock, pop, punk, country, hip-hop and R&B.

"Wal-Mart Soundcheck allows our customers to take their music experience at Wal-Mart to a whole new level, both in stores and online, with original performances from some of their favorite artists," said Kevin Swint, Wal- Mart's divisional merchandising manager for digital media. "This unprecedented, multi-channel music offering is yet another opportunity to further deepen our relationship with customers, and provide an intimate setting for them to see and hear top musicians."

Wal-Mart Soundcheck - Kick-Off Performance

Punk pop fivesome Yellowcard and rock band Switchfoot officially open the Wal-Mart Soundcheck series beginning today. Yellowcard's five-song acoustic set features tracks from the highly anticipated, newly released album Lights and Sounds. Switchfoot's five-song electric set highlights popular tracks off their multi-platinum Nothing is Sound album.

Performances on Wal-Mart Soundcheck are co-sponsored through a media partnership with Gillette Fusion razors, and are set to tape at various recording studios throughout the year.

Added Swint, "With Yellowcard's platinum selling smash Ocean Avenue and Switchfoot's dynamic new release Nothing is Sound album both resonating strongly among our customers, these are ideal bands to launch Wal-Mart Soundcheck."

What's Available in Stores

Several two- to three-minute sneak previews of each performance will air nationwide in more than 3,000 stores on the HDTV wall in the Electronics department. A viewing event of the complete 30- to 40-minute performance on Wal-Mart TV will take place every few weeks on a Friday night. Wal-Mart will also promote Soundcheck performances on both Wal-Mart Radio and Wal-Mart TV.

What's Available Online at Walmart.com

The full 30- to 40-minute performance and exclusive interviews are available to stream online at Walmart.com at no cost; audio tracks of the performance can also be downloaded for 88 cents each. The kick-off performances are now available online at www.walmart.com/soundcheck

Upcoming Performances
* Country star Miranda Lambert
* R&B sensation Ne-Yo

About Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. Internationally, the company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.

Source: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

CONTACT: Amy Colella of Walmart.com, +1-650-837-5232

Web site: www.walmart.com
www.walmartfacts.com
www.walmart.com/soundcheck

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