Last week Apple and U2 made music history by offering the Irish outfits’ latest release, Songs of Innocence, as a free download to all iTunes users. Whilst undoubtedly having financial motives for both parties, the move is also a strong statement in support of the album format.
U2’s manager Guy Oseary recently told Billboard magazine that: “The band really wants people to engage with albums, they want them to support the art form of artwork and lyrics and video content and just get into their music in a much different way than an MP3 file. This is a long relationship.”
There are rumours that Apple are working on high-def audio support for iOS 8, but it seems that this latest collaboration could be part of a new plans to develop ways of interacting with lyric and artwork content whilst enjoying an album from a mobile device.
Whether or not it will spur more creative strategies to prolong the lifespan of the album remains to be seen, but it bodes well to see a band like U2 making these kinds of moves in support of the beloved LP format.
#SaveTheAlbum
Marconi Union’s ‘Weightless’, the world’s most relaxing track, is now on Atmos-supported platforms.
We are delighted to announce that Marconi Union’s seminal 7th studio album Weightless (Ambient Transmissions Vol 2) is now available for the first time on both black and dark green 180gm vinyl.
Marconi Union feature on Ambient Layers Vol. II, released today, with their track Inland Borders.
The new Marconi Union single, Inland Borders, is out now on 7k records.
A Live Connection is the first full-length filmed concert performance in Marconi Union’s 20-year history.
Marcon Union will play live on 4th March 2023 at commonground, Coventry.
Sam Thomas’ first single from the Isamaya Ffrench collaboration album.