Hot Topic, Inc. Launches ShockHound, New All-In-One Music Site

Hot Topic, Inc. Launches ShockHound, New All-In-One Music Site

Launching October 28, ShockHound(TM) Spans Music Genres and Includes MP3s, Merchandise, Editorial Content and Social Applications

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hot Topic, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOTT) today announced the launch of ShockHound (www.shockhound.com), the one-stop, genre-spanning music site loaded with millions of MP3s, a vast selection of band merchandise, the latest music videos, and exclusive editorial content.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081028/NY42110LOGO )

At launch, ShockHound will offer millions of MP3s and merchandise featuring artists from the major record labels Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group and EMI Music, as well as independent labels. In addition, artists will be able to upload and sell their music directly to users -- for emerging artists, ShockHound will provide a unique way of reaching out directly to listeners and fans that extends beyond social networking sites.

"Our goal was to create an authentic, online experience of music discovery," says Betsy McLaughlin, CEO of Hot Topic, Inc. "A place where fellow music lovers can come together and explore, share their likes and dislikes, read the latest music news and enjoy exclusive content on their favorite artists."

ShockHound boasts top editorial talent led by editor-in-chief Randy Bookasta, former editor-in-chief at Ray Gun, a groundbreaking alternative rock publication; managing editor Dan Epstein hails from Revolver, a leading hard rock and heavy metal magazine. Content at launch will include reviews, music news, interviews, original programming and music videos. ShockHound encourages its members to be an integral part of the experience, offering users the opportunity to join in the never-ending musical dialogue via user reviews, comment sections and personalized user pages.

ABOUT SHOCKHOUND

ShockHound (www.ShockHound.com) is the one-stop, genre-spanning music site loaded with millions of MP3s, a vast selection of artist merchandise, the latest music videos, and exclusive and compelling editorial content. With a wide array of interviews, album reviews, original "webisode" videos, individual artist pages, and a strong community of music devotees, ShockHound not only has the goods on favorite bands, but also promotes discovery of new and emerging artists. ShockHound encourages its members to be an integral part of the editorial voice, offering users the opportunity to join in the never-ending musical dialogue via user reviews, comment sections and personalized user pages. ShockHound is a division of Hot Topic, Inc.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Information on potential factors that could affect Hot Topic's financial results is included in Hot Topic's public reports filed with the SEC, including Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: seine@cornerstonepromotion.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081028/NY42110LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Hot Topic, Inc.

CONTACT: Ed James, Cornerstone (Public Relations), +1-212-652-9295,
ed@cornerstonepromotion.com, for Hot Topic, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.shockhound.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment