MusicNow

About MusicNow

MusicNow, initially established as FullAudio Corporation in 1999, operated as a pioneering digital music service headquartered in Chicago. The company was founded by Chris Gladwin and developed an online platform focused on music personalization, allowing users to browse, discover, share, and purchase digital music. This positioned it as one of the earliest entrants in the subscription-based online music market.

The firm's business model centered on providing a comprehensive digital music collection through both subscription and à la carte options. Users could pay a monthly fee for unlimited streaming and downloading to a computer, with a higher-tiered subscription available for transferring music to compatible portable devices. Individual songs were also available for purchase, typically at 99 cents per track. The service featured custom playlists and community functions, such as sharing music profiles with other users, aiming to enhance music discovery and personalization. Its catalog grew to over a million songs from major labels like EMI, Sony BMG, Universal Music, and Warner Music Group.

MusicNow's trajectory involved significant acquisitions that shaped its evolution. In March 2004, the electronics retailer Circuit City purchased the company for an undisclosed sum. This ownership was short-lived, as Time Warner's America Online (AOL) acquired MusicNow in November 2005. Following the acquisition, the service was rebranded as AOL Music Now and became a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Premium Services, with its operations remaining in Chicago. The strategic intent behind the AOL acquisition was to upgrade its existing AOL MusicNet service and enhance its features for music customization and personalization in an increasingly competitive online music landscape.