Acoustic Disc, the mando-centric record company owned by David Grisman, has started experimenting with online music downloads. At this time, only four titles from their catalog can be purchased via download, but more are expected to be added should the project be deemed successful.
The Acoustic Disc downloads are being served by Livedownloads.com, a web site that is dedicated to connecting touring bands with their fan base, and fosters the direct sale of live show recordings via downloads. The site is operated by nugs.net, whose owner Brad Serling is often described as the “Johnny Appleseed of live concert downloads,” and a prominent figure in emerging video on demand technology. Livedownloads.com is supported by a number of popular “jam bands,” such as Yonder Mountain String Band, String Cheese Incident and Widespread Panic.