Earache Records are dipping their toes into the water of KiTalbums. Already gaining traction in South Korea, the format combines condensed physical media packaging with cartridge-based digital audio experiences. In addition to shrunken liner notes and other trinkets, the included music is avaialble to be played via an app on preferred smart device.
Earache Records head Tim Bailey commented of embracing the format:
“It can be overwhelming with the world of digital music at your fingertips. The endless choice available means I rarely immerse myself in albums the way I used to. I flit between albums. I’m impatient. My attention span is broken. I rarely give new records my full attention. And it means I don’t have that same intense connection to my new favourite music the way I once did. The KiT album invites us to go deeper.
I think KiT is already the most important physical format since the CD, and once music fans dive in and find the joy in it the way I have, I’ve no doubt it could be a major global player in the physical music world. Its unique combination of the tactility and scarcity of physical media and the portability and user-friendliness of the digital technology makes it the format for 2025 and beyond.”
He later added of the KiT format:
“We can learn so much about music consumption and fandom from K-Pop. Nine million copies have been sold since 2017 in the genre from the likes of Seventeen, Blackpink and more. Whilst the avid collecting of exclusive photocards which has helped drive K-pop sales will be a less prevalent sales driver to rock and metal fans, rock fans similarly love the bands they follow.
They want music that can be held in their hands, a piece of art to get lost in. A tangible, immersive experience that connects them to their favourite artist.”
Earache Records‘ initial offerings on the format include:
- At The Gates – “Slaughter Of The Soul“
- Bolt Thrower – “Realm Of Chaos“
- Buckcherry – “Road Like Thunder“
- Carcass – “Heartwork“
- Entombed – “Left Hand Path“
- Godflesh – “Streetcleaner“
- Kris Barras Band – “Halo Effect“
- Massive Wagons – “Earth To Grace“
- Morbid Angel – “Altars Of Madness“
- Municipal Waste – “The Art Of Partying“
- Napalm Death – “Scum“
- Skindred – “Smile“
- Sleep – “Sleep’s Holy Mountain“
- Wormrot – “Hiss“
- Those Damn Crows – “God Shaped Hole“
You can find more info via earache.com/KIT. If you’re not yet familiar with the format, the KiT stands for ‘keep in touch’
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
