Everyone at some point has dreamed of being a rock star. Now even the least musically inclined among us can feel like a real rock star – actually playing the guitar and drum parts of our favorite songs thanks to a one-of-a-kind interactive music experience from MusicPlayground.
Available now at www.MusicPlayground.com, MusicPlayground makes use of virtual instruments – plug-and-play USB peripherals – that simulate their real-world counterparts, allowing users to literally take over the guitar, bass or drum parts of their favorite songs. They simply plug in their virtual instruments to the back of their computer and start playing along as part of the band!
MusicPlayground is available in three different packages that include a V-Pick(TM) virtual guitar (or bass) pick, a CD with MusicPlayground Player software, and direct access to the company’s continuously expanding online music jukebox of licensed songs. The wide-ranging selection of music includes songs “popularized” by today’s biggest groups such as Three Doors Down, Barenaked Ladies and Madonna, as well as songs popularized by earlier artists such as Kool & The Gang, Doobie Brothers, The Who, Pat Benatar, Lynyrd Skynyrd and hundreds more.
The $29.95 Concert Edition includes a V-Pick Virtual Instrument for Guitar & Bass, 25 songs, and MusicPlayground Player Software on CD-ROM. In addition, a V-Stix(TM) Virtual Drum Kit is available for an additional $19.95.
The $69.95 Band Edition provides the V-Pick Virtual Instrument for Guitar & Bass, V-Stix Virtual Instrument for Drums (including real drum sticks), 50 songs, and MusicPlayground Player Software on CD-ROM.
A special Beatles Edition is also available for $39.95, which includes 25 songs popularized by the band, a V-Pick Virtual Instrument for Guitar & Bass, and MusicPlayground Player Software on CD-ROM.
Getting started is easy. With a multimedia equipped PC and Windows ®98/Me, users simply install MusicPlayground’s Player software onto their hard drive and plug in their virtual instruments. Start up the MusicPlayground Player software, select a song and play along by striking their virtual instrument in time with the on-screen Rhythm EKG (TM) rhythm guide. Song lyrics are superimposed on top of video/animation content for a total entertainment experience.
For those who can play instruments, MusicPlayground is a great learning tool that allows musicians to plug in their real instruments and play the actual guitar, bass, and drum parts of the song. MusicPlayground marks the first time that musicians and non-musicians alike can share a common experience.
MusicPlayground appeals to music lovers of all levels. According to Nikki Sixx, founding member of The Motley Crue, “There’s never been anything like MusicPlayground before. It is the only true way for fans to get as close as possible to their favorite music and enjoy the same experience as the actual band members.”
Adds Roger Daltrey, founding member and lead singer of the legendary rock band The Who, “The technology and the vision behind MusicPlayground will have a profound impact on the way musicians and general consumers interact with their favorite music. MusicPlayground is a terrific new way for the industry to promote music, one that will be fun for music fans of all ages and genres.”
MusicPlayground is launching their new products with a Music Travia promotion on the MusicPlayground.com Web site. The sweepstakes oriented promotion offers anyone multiple chances to win one of several prizes. Among the many prizes – $5,000 cash to one grand prize winner and two first prizes – one lucky winner will get a Gibson Thunderbird bass autographed by Nikki Sixx and another winner will get a Les Paul guitar autographed by Roger Daltrey.