October 28, 1998
New live 54-40 disc exclusive to web site
By RICHARD JOHN
In a nod to the growing power of the Internet, yet another band is tying an upcoming release in with their web site.

Canadian act 54-40 is offering fans not only the chance to buy their new release online, but also to select the track listing. In fact, the new disc, a live greatest hits retrospective, will only be available through the band's web site www.5440.com. No release date has been determined.

The band are currently in the midst of a cross-Canada tour promoting their latest disc 'Since When', and every show of the tour is being taped for potential inclusion on the new release. The band's web site states even suggests fans get their "whoo! whoo!s" on tape.

The tour, dubbed An Evening With 54.40 is a chance for fans to hear the band perform all their hits, including 'Baby Ran', 'One Gun' and 'I Go Blind'.

At 5440.com, there's an area where fans can vote for their favourite tunes - from the band's entire history - to be included in the nightly set lists.

Says band manager Allen May, "We felt there was a tremendous opportunity to embrace new technology, explore new distribution channels and also offer our very dedicated online community something unique and exclusive from the band."

"We think this is a very unique way to communicate directly with our fans and it takes our online activity in a whole new direction".

54-40 are also offering one lucky winner per show the chance to get onstage to sing a song with them. The band have dubbed this interactive element, Forty-Oake: The first ever 54-40 Karaoke Experience.