AOL: SESSIONS PLAYER

America Online has announced the launch of its Sessions@AOL feature as a regular series. Hosted by Chris Douridas and featuring live performances by and interviews with top acts, the half-hour show debuts on the service this Friday (6/14) at 5pm.

A new installment will be available to AOL Broadband users every other Friday at keyword: Sessions@AOL.

The premiere episode includes performances by Busta Rhymes, Alanis Morissette, Vanessa Carlton and Josh Groban, who is also interviewed by Douridas. Another interview—with rock icon Tommy Lee—is also featured.

Sessions will be available to subscribers with high-speed connections—including AOL’s proprietary broadband service—for seven days before going out to "narrowband" (dial-up) users.

"Sessions@AOL is another example of AOL Music’s emergence as a force in introducing new music and creating community between artists and their fans," noted Kevin Conroy, SVP/GM of AOL Music, who really hates to blow his own horn. "The new Sessions@AOL show takes online music to a whole new level—showcasing premiere original programming through a high-speed connection."

The video and audio quality of the performances is indeed impressive; high-speed users can currently sample a set of rehearsal-room jams by the Red Hot Chili Peppers that look and sound crystal-clear. And Douridas’ dulcet tones sound extra public-radio-esque.

If broadband is going to get a push, it’s from the demand for content. And perhaps no other entity in the digital realm is as well-positioned to drive that demand than America Online, with its mainstream penetration. AOL’s broadband service is provided by Time Warner Cable in 35 markets.

Of course, that issue is of great interest to about six of you. To the rest, the only question is, "How can I pimp my acts on this groovy show?" We direct your attention to the above-mentioned Mr. Conroy.

Artists who’ve appeared on the program in the past include Sir Paul McCartney, U2, P. Diddy, Michelle Branch and the Strokes, among many others.