Does Releasing Physical Music Still Make Sense in 2021?
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Does releasing physical music still make sense in 2021? The answer might not be so resolute. As with many trends in the music industry lately, there is much debate over the topic of releasing physical music.
Trends in Physical Formats
In the industry, there is always the question of sales. It’s well documented that vinyl records have been making a steady comeback. Many young people are opting to reconnect with physical formats for the nostalgia factor and increased craft that record labels are putting into their packaging and pressings. Cassette tapes are following suit as well, nowhere near the level that vinyl has achieved, however. Especially during the pandemic, the increased sale of vinyl records turned casual listeners into collectors and kept many independent record stores afloat.
The only format steadily declining is the CD. Although major artists notably are keeping the CD option around, several smaller ones have already given up on the format. CDs present an affordable option to those consumers who don’t want to purchase a $30 LP, and many are clinging to the format’s relevancy. However, many auto manufacturers are taking away the car CD player, the lifeblood of the format. A sentimental old soul myself, I worry about the day I might have to buy a new car without a six-disc changer.
Essentially, vinyl records are a safe bet for Gen Z and older generations alike. CDs are increasingly a gamble. Cassettes are the wildcard, not essential but not unwelcome.
The S Buzzword & Physical Music
Many recent discussions about releasing physical music have lacked a crucial consideration: sustainability. Environmental and eco-friendly choices may only be a public relations consideration, but every industry is searching for ways to convey sustainability efforts to the consumer.
This summer, notorious Kiwi artist Lorde announced that with the release of her new album Solar Power there would be no CD release. Eco-friendliness was at the forefront of this decision, given the album’s climate change themes. However, physical releases still took priority. Lorde opted to release a similarly-priced “music box” with an included high-quality digital download. It was essentially a collector’s box of artwork, posters, and notes.
In 2020, UK rock band The 1975 thought up sustainable ideas for their latest album’s merchandise rollout. They released vinyl records with all recycled packaging, opted to not create new shirts but rather reprint new designs on old shirts, and donated to reforestation efforts.
Both of these prominent artists have started movements towards sustainability in the music industry. All record labels and their artists still want to reap the benefits of physical releases. But some are rethinking their efforts to appear more conscientious and reverse environmental harm.
Band Size & Feasibility
Most importantly when it comes to physical releases, it is crucial to know your niche. For tiny bands and indie start-ups, stick to digital. In an age where posting music to streaming services is easier than ever, it is best to keep physical releases small and within your financial means.
If one thing is for certain, it is that the age of the physical mixtape has given way to Soundcloud and social media savviness. Especially as the pandemic has caused supply chain shortages for CD and vinyl production, it is wise for many smaller acts to avoid the challenges of physical release until it is feasible.
Releasing Physical Music in 2021
There is a push and pull in the music industry surrounding physical music releases. There’s knowing that going without is the least risky move for small bands and the most sustainable overall. There’s also knowing that physical forms give audiences more joy and meaningful connection to the music. Formats may die. There are many moving parts involved, but ultimately the artists and the fans will get to decide together how we will listen to music years into the future.
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Sam Bowden is an Author/Contributor Intern for the StreamLINE Music Blog. He enjoys making carefully curated Spotify playlists, thrift shopping, and playing trivia. Sam is a history and film studies graduate from Indiana University-Bloomington.