Wal-Mart is still disallowing downloads from labels Warner Music Group and Sony BMG, thanks to a negotiation impasse surrounding DRM-free licensing.
In the meantime, the retailing giant is aggressively pushing a pair of new releases across its digital and physical stores.
The first involves Mariah Carey, currently signed with Island Def Jam (UMG). Carey is now preparing the release of E=MC2, a follow-up to The Emancipation of Mimi.
Ahead of an April 15th street date, Wal-Mart is offering an in-studio Carey interview, and instantly delivering an MP3 of “Touch My Body” alongside an album pre-order. The interview is being layered into Wal-Mart’s in-studio series, Soundcheck, sponsored by Degree.
Also on the list is Bryan Adams, who is planning an exclusive physical release across Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores in the United States. The album, called 11, hits both mega-stores on May 13th, according to the Adams website. The album was unavailable for download Wednesday morning on walmart.com.