March 29, 2004
M ' sian rock band Search to sell album exclusively via SMS
A new distribution stragegy for an album and a real first! A rock band says their new release - and all future releases - will only be available for purchase by text message - because CD prices are too high.
"Rock legend Search will release its new album in a “couple of months,” and fans needn't bother rushing to the record stores to get it: The Empire Album will be sold exclusively via SMS, reports TechCentral.
"The new service will be offered by music and video distribution company Global Movie & Music Catalogue on its MCat website, which was established last December.
"Fans can only buy (our new album) via SMS," said the band's charismatic frontman Amy, who described SMS as an alternative music distribution channel.
"This way, we can lower the cost and offer the album at a cheaper price, for only RM20.
The group is confident that Search's new album will sell 100,000 copies.
"Amy said that since the album won't be available at record stores, there will be a lot of advertising to ensure that Search fans know the album is out and how to buy it. All future Search albums will be sold in this manner, he added".
UPDATE I've just received an interesting comment in my in-box, from Steve Procter, of itagg. He writes: "If that is going to happen in the UK and the CD is not listened to on the phone then what they plan is illegal - against FSA regulations.
For more information, Steve suggests reading the front page of this weeks New Media Age.
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