Wal-Mart Soundcheck, co-sponsored by Gillette Fusion razors, gives customers an insider's look at musicians and bands performing four to six songs in a studio setting, as well as interviews with the artists. The performances are featured nationwide every month in stores on Wal-Mart TV and the HDTV wall in the electronics department, and are also available to view and download at Walmart.com.

Punk pop group Yellowcard and rock band Switchfoot officially opened the Wal-Mart Soundcheck series today. Yellowcard's five-song acoustic set features tracks from the newly-released album "Lights and Sounds." Switchfoot's five-song electric set highlights popular tracks off their multi-platinum "Nothing is Sound" album.

Several two- to three-minute sneak previews of each performance will air nationwide in more than 3,000 stores on the HDTV wall in the electronics department. A viewing event of the complete 30- to 40-minute performance on Wal-Mart TV will take place every few weeks on a Friday night, according to the company. Wal-Mart will also promote Soundcheck performances on both Wal-Mart Radio and Wal-Mart TV.

The full 30- to 40-minute performance and exclusive interviews are available to stream online at Walmart.com at no cost; audio tracks of the performance can also be downloaded for 88 cents each. The kick-off performances are now available online.

Upcoming performances include country star Miranda Lambert and R&B singer Ne-Yo.

Companies referred to in story:

Stock %Chg Industry Mkt Cap Wal-Mart Stores $52.80 +1.31% Department & Discount $210.8B Quote data as of: 03/31/2008 12:11 PM