Red(Wire) to help fight AIDS

Some major artists have provided songs to help launch (Red)Wire, a new digital music service working in conjunction with (Red) and Product Red, all aimed at raising awareness and funds to fight AIDS in Africa.

On Monday, World Aids Day, songs and videos from artists such as Coldplay, Death Cab for Cuties, the Dixie Chicks, Jay-Z, John Legend, U2 and Elton John will be showcased during the (Red)Wire unveiling at red.msn.com.

(Red)Wire subscribers will download a special custom player for their computer and will receive a weekly digital music offering, including an exclusive song from a major artist, a less well-known song that (Red) wants to showcase, non-music items -- digital shorts, photography or a reading -- and a glimpse into the effect that money raised by (Red) has had in Africa.

Half of each month’s $5 membership fee will go to the Global Fund to help buy medicine for those living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. The other half will go to pay artist royalties.

-- Yvonne Villarreal