Hearts of Space, the pioneering public radio syndicastor, has opened what they are calling a “next generation Internet music service”. The service builds on the success of the original service launched in 2001, providing deep content within the HOS niche of contemplative and ambient music.
The Hearts of Space radio program has been syndicated to over 350 public radio stations since 1983. It is now heard on over 220 NPR stations each week and 7 nights a week on XM Satellite Radio, AudioVisions 77, as well as a growing online audience.
The program has created its own format: an “ambient before ambient” mix of atmospheric electronic spacemusic, ethereal jazz, classical adagios, and the best of world, new age, sacred and contemplative music from dozens of cultures. The overall sound is quiet and refined with seamless continuities between pieces to create a contemplative experience.
Content of the service includes the HOS archive of over 730 radio music programs going back to 1983, plus a new section of core format-related albums for streaming. Downloads for licensed albums and tracks will follow this fall as licenses are obtained. HOS is a legal, fully licensed service.
The service allows listeners full on-demand access to the entire archive of radio programs and albums and features a flexible set of transaction options, from unlimited use subscriptions to non-subscription “measured use” plans from 300 to 1200 minutes (about 5 to 20 shows). Prices for full archive access include a one-time $2.95 intro, $6.95 and $9.95 packages, and a $12.95 per month unlimited access plan. The current week’s show is available free for on-demand streaming after a simple site registration.
