| Opened | November, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Pricing model | Non Subsciption: Per Use |
| Platforms | Any |
| Format | MP3 (.mp3) |
| Restrictions | None |
| Streaming | m3u |
| Website | www.ShockHound.com |
ShockHound was an online music download site, retail store and social networking platform launched by Hot Topic in 2008.[1] ShockHound music files are available for download in the MP3 format, making them compatible with most digital music players, and free from digital rights management (DRM) software restrictions.[2] Randy Bookasta (Ray Gun magazine) and Dan Epstein (Revolver magazine) are contributing content editors.[3]
On March 28, 2011, ShockHound posted an announcement stating they will be shutting down for good on May 15, 2011. [4]
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ShockHound has an online social networking platform which allows users to create and share content. Additional website content includes: music reviews, rock concerts, interviews, music videos, streaming audio, and original programming called Shock Shows. Current original Shock Show programming includes Taco Tuesday and Stella Can't Cook.[5] ShockHound opened its first retail store in Torrance, California in the Del Amo Fashion Center.
In addition to music downloads, music-related merchandise is also available on the website, including: band T-shirts, accessories, posters, concert tickets, and Vinyl records. This type of cross merchandising is currently unique in the digital audio market.[6] ShockHound utilizes a proprietary shopping cart functionality which combines music downloads and merchandise purchases into a single transaction.[7]
As part of their opening launch in 2008, ShockHound offered free concerts by No Age, Titus Andronicus and Snow Patrol, to users in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and San Diego.[8][9]