October 06, 2008

By By Kamau High, N.Y.

Microsoft's Zune will launch an artist-focused podcast tomorrow, Billboard has learned.

Dubbed the Green Room, the first one will feature backstage interviews with Chicago rapper Common. Following Common, the next podcasts will showcase Oasis, T.I., Dierks Bentley, and Seun Kuti.

In addition, a free video for the new single "Universal Mind Control" from Common's forthcoming album, "Universal Mind Control," will be added to the Zune Marketplace for download.

The Green Room is part of a larger effort on the part of the music device to differentiate itself from market leader Apple and its many iPod variations. Other initiatives include: "Zune School Music Masters," a curriculum of music put together by Zune, ""Xbox Gamer Central," music related to games such as MTV's "RockBand 2" and "Hits Collections" which lists top selling music by decade.

Subscribe to Billboard magazine today!