The Future Of Metal Releases
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Designers also hope that album and liner art will be able to be displayed appropriately and in higher resolution in future generations of digital media player.
Slagel, who has weathered numerous format changes in his career, is guardedly optimistic. He says metal labels can react to the digital move quicker than the majors and should embrace the new format and make it more interesting. For example: Slagel says Metal Blade will eventually be able to offer their entire back catalog online. “The possibilities could end up being really cool, but it’s going to take the dedication of artists sticking to their guns and making sure the art side doesn’t get lost as we move into the digital age,” he says.
King Diamond had yet to purchase an iPod and still plays music on an old stereo. And while I may have parted with the bulk of my CD collection, I still have all of my vinyl and a functional turntable.
Metal’s Virtual Future
Artists and labels concede that digital music can never replicate holding an album or CD liner notes in your hand. But some labels are working to find the best way for bands to release their music via computer. Among the ideas floated by labels, artists and designers: high quality liner notes and artwork that can be printed and placed in a CD case and interactive features that allow fans to directly link to artwork and liner notes and offer extra content.Designers also hope that album and liner art will be able to be displayed appropriately and in higher resolution in future generations of digital media player.
Slagel, who has weathered numerous format changes in his career, is guardedly optimistic. He says metal labels can react to the digital move quicker than the majors and should embrace the new format and make it more interesting. For example: Slagel says Metal Blade will eventually be able to offer their entire back catalog online. “The possibilities could end up being really cool, but it’s going to take the dedication of artists sticking to their guns and making sure the art side doesn’t get lost as we move into the digital age,” he says.
King Diamond had yet to purchase an iPod and still plays music on an old stereo. And while I may have parted with the bulk of my CD collection, I still have all of my vinyl and a functional turntable.
