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In 2009, AlterThePress.com released two compilations which were accessible online as free downloads for the fans; the idea behind this was to introduce upcoming bands and support those acts which are lesser known in the UK and US pop punk circles. In 2010, AlterThePress.com plan to release more compilations but this time around the fans are being treated to four...

Formed in 2008, AlterThePress.com is a webzine concerned with promoting innovative new UK and US acts, reporting the latest news in the alternative music world and also providing listeners with free music downloads. Last year, the webzine released two compilations; the Spring/Summer compilation which was released in April, and the Autumn/Winter compilation which was released in August. The site's co-moderator Sean Reid came up with the original idea and developed it into something bigger for 2010.

'The idea of each compilation is to give people a mix of well known bands and new stuff they may have not have heard before. This is something compilations are ideal for.' The reception the 2009 compilations received prompted ATP to come up with something bigger and better for the coming year. 'I thought it'd be ideal to have 4 separate compilations spread over a 12 month period so people keep coming back to the site to find out about the next one as well as everything else we do on the site.'

ATP is one of those sites out there that is interested in promoting the music as music and not as part of the industry machine; this is clear through the choice made to make the compilations accessible as free downloads. 'Some bands are open to free downloads and some are not', says Sean, 'I guess if you're confident in taking such a risk, then that's fine. Some bands are not interested in making money, they just want to play music and get it heard and that's what we try and help with. I'm all for free music as long as it's legal. If bands are encouraging fans to download them for free legally, surely it can have a positive effect on the band.'

'2010.01' showcases bands who are interested in spreading the positive energy; bands who fit with the manifesto of what ATP is about. 'The main aim was to showcase music that represented the site well. For example '2010.01' has awesome US pop-punk by The Wonder Years and This Time Next Year, electro-pop by Breathe Carolina, heavier bands like Bury Your Dead and The Great American Beast, as well brilliant British independent bands like Tiger Please, Tell It To The Marines, Cuba Cuba and much more.'

ATP are not trying to achieve major kudos through the release of the four-part compilation, the music is their heart of the movement, and they are trying to spread that heart. The next 3 2010 compilations will carry the same message as the first, but each will also offer something different to the table. 'I have no idea what the new compilations will bring yet', says Sean, 'but I can promise it will be more of the same, brilliant music.'

'2010.01' is available for download here. For more information on the compilation, to read the tracklisting or simply visit AlterThePress.com, click here