eMusic to celebrate 100 millionth with Barenaked Ladies

Digital music retailer eMusic is barreling down on the sale of its 100 millionth MP3 download. The company expects to reach the mark in the next few weeks.

EMusic has enlisted pop group Barenaked Ladies to write and record a personalized song about the eMusic subscriber who downloads the 100 millionth track. The subscriber also will receive a free premium subscription to the site, and the opportunity to participate in an upcoming eMusic print advertising campaign.

EMusic started its download ticker on Nov. 1, 2003, when the company established its current subscription model. It attributes reaching the 100 million mark so quickly by delivering downloads in the universally compatible MP3 format, which works with iTunes, the iPod, Zune and other digital music devices, its music selection, and editorial content.

Once the winner is identified and Barenaked Ladies writes and records the new song, it will be available as a free track on eMusic for a week in January. Then it will be bundled with their forthcoming album “Barenaked Ladies Are Men” as a paid bonus track.