Let’s get physical

Strictly limited editions

• London band Subliminal Girls are releasing an extremely limited-edition version of their new single (‘Self-Obsession Is An Art Form’) for £1,200 each. Only 10 copies will be available and will come in a box with art prints, a book, a T-shirt, and signed negatives of the band. Pop artist Stuart Semple (the designer behind the release) said the move was designed to “fight iPod culture in which album covers are reduced to thumb-nails”.

• Georgia Wonder (one half of which is Stephanie Grant – pictured above) are promoting their Hello Stranger’ EP, by sending 40 CDs in special boxes around the world asking people to listen to them and then pass them on (after logging where they have been online).“Take me home, listen to me, and then pass me on so I may continue my travels,” reads the packaging.

So what?: CDs aren’t selling, yet despite the gloomy economic outlook art still is (as depicted by Damien Hurst’s recent sale). So, surely music packaged as high art should sell, shouldn’t it? The ‘more is more’ option of packaging up high end product has served both Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails well, but can it work for less well-known bands? Possibly. As a backlash against the anonymity of digital seems inevitable. Georgia Wonder’s idea, although small scale, is interesting, as it mixes physical, digital and community with a ‘pass it forward’ mentality.

“Ever since 7” singles started to enjoy a resurgence some years back, it’s been obvious that music lovers still crave beautifully designed, covetable objects that give special tracks real permanence. But whilst sleeve art is more one-off and collectable than ever before, it’s worth remembering that it can’t be divorced from the quality of the music. I doubt we’ll be seeing a Radiohead-style deluxe offering of the forthcoming Akon LP, for example.”
James Poletti, Associate Director Activation, FRUKT

www.gwonder.com

www.myspace.com/subliminalgirls