BASKING RIDGE, NJ. (Top40 Charts/ Verizon Wireless) - Verizon Wireless' V CAST
Music service is delivering a new custom music video created exclusively for Verizon Wireless. Starting today, fans can enjoy the exclusive mobile version video of Eddie Vedder's "Guaranteed," as he appears for the first time as a solo artist in a music video for the Critic's Choice-, Golden Globe- and GRAMMY-nominated song from the Sean Penn- directed motion picture "Into the Wild".
Directed by critically acclaimed writer/director Marc Rocco, this unique version of the video - edited from a 35mm film shoot - weaves striking silhouettes of Vedder's intimate, soulful performance with images of his own handwritten lyrics in a simple yet powerful way that connects directly with fans through their mobile devices.
Over the next several weeks, Verizon Wireless customers can download - for free - three Eddie Vedder songs from the "Into the Wild" soundtrack: "Guaranteed," "Rise" and "Hard Sun." Fans can also purchase these exclusive tracks as ringtones and ringback tones. The full "Into the Wild" soundtrack is currently available on Monkeywrench/J Records.
Verizon Wireless customers can use their V CAST Music-enabled phones or PCs to download the following songs for free (excluding applicable airtime charges):
* "Guaranteed" - available now through Jan. 25
* "Rise" - available Jan. 25 through Feb. 15
* "Hard Sun" - available Feb. 15 through March 7
Verizon Wireless customers with V CAST-enabled phones can purchase the music video on V CAST Performances, in the What's New or Featured category on V CAST Music and online in the V CAST Music store. The ringtone and ringback tone for each song will be available for purchase at the same time the full-track song is available for free. Customers who opt-in can receive free interactive MMS video messages with details about the video and exclusive music content for each Vedder song.
"We are thrilled to be the first digital music service to deliver Verizon Wireless customers the first ever music video created for mobile and distribute this legendary music to Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam fans across the nation," said Ed Ruth, director of digital music for Verizon Wireless.
"It's always interesting for us to explore new ways to get music to music fans. Much like the Internet, the advent of mobile technology has created another medium through which artists can get music directly to fans in an innovative and authentic way," said Kelly Curtis, Pearl Jam's manager.
"Eddie's music has always pierced to the heart of human experience," explains Rocco, "and 'Into the Wild' follows a young man's passionate search for his own voice in a noisy modern world. As a filmmaker, I was eager to use this cutting-edge medium to put Eddie's inspirational words, image and music right into the audience's hand to evoke a meaningful, personal experience for each viewer."
"J Records is excited to team with Verizon in this unique mobile campaign which will bring Eddie Vedder's music to new fans," said Sean Rosenberg, director mobile marketing, RCA Music Group.
"What is truly unique about this endeavor," said Guy Endore-Kaiser, executive vice president marketing and creative advertising, Paramount Vantage, "is the convergence of the mobile platform with music, video and movie, allowing us to create new audiences for 'Into The Wild' and Eddie's soundtrack."
"Guaranteed" is an acoustic song inspired by the true story of Christopher McCandless, who, in 1990 at the age of 22, left behind a life of comfort to test himself against the wilds of nature. The song was written and performed by Vedder for the soundtrack of the Paramount Vantage release "Into The Wild," which features nine original tracks and two cover songs by Vedder. To date, the soundtrack has been nominated for numerous awards including: a Critic's Choice nomination for "Guaranteed" for Best Song; two Golden Globe nominations, one for "Guaranteed" for Best Original Song, and one for Vedder/King/Brook for Best Original Score; and a GRAMMY nomination for "Guaranteed" for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
For more information on mobile music from Verizon Wireless, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or visit https://www.verizonwireless.com/music.
