#22

LIZZO

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#23

Seems to be another one without a physical release unfortunately. Are major labels just not releasing records anymore?

#24

I reckon they’ll do what they did with the SZA record - release an extended/deluxe version on vinyl a little later once they see how well the digital does

#25

Always seems like a bizarre business model to me. If I listen to it now I will have moved on to something else by the time they bring out the physical product. I really don’t understand the music industry anymore.

#26

nah, it makes sense

release digital album - get the promo push of reviews, news and coverage that links to digital platforms, gets on playlists etc

couple of months later when the digital plays start to dwindle release a deluxe vinyl edition and get all that promo push once again plus penetration into different markets (vinyl buyers, record stores and the web ecosystem around them) which leads to both physical sales and a boost in digital - especially if the deluxe album has demo versions/alternate takes/extra tracks newly available to stream and/or a new video.

Also, there is a market of younger listeners who will only actually listen to music digitally but will buy the vinyl of a record they love as a kind of ‘souvenir’ - my 15 year old has for instance bought SZA’s CTRL, Blood Orange’s Black Swan and the Billie Eilish record on vinyl because she wanted to ‘own’ them but has never once stuck them on the record player (actually, I think she’s played the Blood Orange record once)

So really the vinyl releases are more like a poster or t-shirt/merch for the younger streaming listener as well as a streaming boost

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#27

So you’re saying it’s a bit like how the publishing industry works with hardbacks coming out and having to wait a year for the paperback? That’s always annoyed me too!

With music you want to listen to new stuff when it comes out surely? I find if I’ve listened to something a fair bit when it’s come out on streaming services I would prefer to spend my money on something new two months later when the record comes out. I find it frustrating though - I’m one of the people who would still willingly pay for music (and is fortunate enough to be able to afford to) but when artists are signed to major labels the industry seems to be actively discouraging me. Smaller labels still release things on physical and streaming at the same time and you can choose.

By the way, my kids buy vinyl a bit like you describe yours does, but I don’t think the industry will fund itself on that (2 -3 records a year) model!

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#28

yep a bit like this but it’s also a bit like the equivalent of the old model of releasing singles as a loss leader to boost album sales

same

absolutely not but it drives publicity which drives traffic & streaming …and also visibility for end of year lists etc

#29

On first impressions I don’t think the Lizzo album is gonna be my favourite of hers.

Hadn’t heard of Kelsey Lu until this thread but damn, that’s one gorgeous album. In love with the last track.

#30

Listening to “Winter Sun” from Elva at the moment, which is a very nice piece of light breezy largely-acoustic (which isn’t always my favourite, but works here) indiepop. They feature Elizabeth who used to be in Allo Darlin, whose voice I’ve always loved.

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#31

The Kelsey Lu album is gorgeous by the way. I’d buy it like a shot if I could.

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#32

The new Angelique Kidjo is sounding great. Soulful, funky, jazzy afro-beat pop.

Edit: just read up on this album and is actually all covers or reinterpretations of salsa artist Celia Cruz, similar to what she did with Remain in Light last year. It’s really great with this sunshine.

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#33

Got a train ride to Leeds later so I’m gonna listen to all the artists @roastthemonaspit listed. So help me god they better be good

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#34

Streaming alongside an interview here - it’s wonderful!

https://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/ep-stream-johanna-samuels-have-a-good-one/

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#35

Is the lead in time for getting vinyl pressed an issue, especially for big acts who seem to see surprise releases as a major part of the publicity strategy?

Presumably quite a few acts have some kind of streaming exclusivity deal as well.

#36

Man the Heather Woods Broderick record is making me wish i was in a field somewhere instead of an office

4 Likes
#37

yeah, probably both those things play a part in some way, I think maybe labels also figured out that leaks can, and often do, come from somewhere along the manufacturing process so I’d imagine there’s an element of trying to cut off that eventually too

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#38

It’s really lovely

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#39

Stealing Sheep - Big Wow

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#40

Right up there with Glider for me.

#41

Omg, thought this was next week! Yaaaaas

1 Like