Album packaging--Does it matter to you?

[Jeremy Casella]

Hi everyone...

I was talking to Geof today about whether CD packaging matters anymore with digital downloads and iTunes being more and more of a daily force in all of our music-loving lives...so I thought I would post this poll to see your thoughts on the issue.

Kierstin and I are in the midst of making design/artwork decisions for my new project (which will release in March or early April) and trying to be wise on how much to spend in this area...as an independent artist I feel like the artwork is a physical representation of how the music feels or what it means to me... you know...something graphic to latch onto as per the reason it was created in the first place...but that's just me.

I've love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for your help!

peace,
Jeremy and Kierstin

[-Chris-]

Hi Jeremy,

I'm sure we've discussed this 'round these parts somewhere before, but never before has one of the artists asked our opinion. 

I am interested in artwork and packaging.  It fills out the album; turning it from just a collection of songs into a bigger work of art.  A couple albums I can think of that are awesome examples of this:

Mae's The Everglow.  Fantastic packaging and artwork.
The Decemberists - The Crane Wife - I actually just bought this yesterday, but I'm really impressed with the design and packaging.

That being said, if the album artwork is really gonna suck, skip it - I'll just download the songs and burn 'em myself.  But I don't suspect that'll be an issue with your new album. 


CJH

[jholland]

I think the more innovative and artful that packaging is, the more likely I am to buy the physical CD.  If the artwork is plain or unimaginative, I'm more likely to download the songs from iTunes.

Also, I generally buy the physical products for artists that I'm fanatical about and download files for artists that I'm only mildly interested in, so that plays a part in the equation, also.

There's definitely a cost/benefit tipping point there with album artwork, but I don't know where it's at.  I guess it always depends on the budget.

Jeff

[Erik]

Packaging is HUGE for me. If music is to be considered art (which I think it should be), the visual aesthetic should be a big part of that. Digital downloads largely take away from that, and that's probably the biggest reason I rarely (if ever) buy stuff from iTunes and the like.

[richard]

I care about packaging.  Not only the visuals, but the texture of the paper, how it's folded, and even the smell of the paper are all things I note and are part of the experience for me.  Maybe I'm weird like that, but it's true.  The other day I pulled out Caedmon's self-titled cd, and the smell of that paper is very distinct, and brings a flood of memories, as only art does.

[JD Rollins]

Does the Dove Awards have a category for packaging? If it does, IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING JEREMY! THE MOST IMPORTANT!!!!

[Noah]

I think packaging/art/design really does deliver a HUGE message to the consumer.  I think that you have an opportunity to show your artistry not only through song, but through the way your songs are being delivered to the consumer.

[travis]

There is nothing better than great, unique packaging.
Oh, I guess there is the music too.

[smiley]

I'm gonna be the oddball here.  I like packaging, but it's not a must have for me.  For me, I care more about audio quality.  I'm more likely to buy digital music if it is of a decent quality (to me iTunes Store does not equal decent quality).  Also, I really like it if the music is tagged well and includes the cover art.

So to sum up, if it is decent quality (preferably mp3, but I won't limit to just that) and tagged well, I'll buy digital.



Mark

[Jeremy Casella]

thanks everyone. We've made some decisions about artwork and your input helped us out.

We still believe in the packaging being an integral part of the album...which was definitely the consensus here and other places we've asked.

Now we're wrestling with how much packaging and what materials to use. (paper or plastic...digipak or jewel case...or this new-super-rad-but-probably-hard-to-justify-for-alot-of-reasons type of packaging that I want to keep a secret b/c not many people use it and it could be very very cool..... Regardless, we are thinking we'll include a 10-12 page staple booklet of pictures, lyrics and liner notes...

The record drops on May 8th and we couldn't be more excited!!!! It's very different from anything I've done before and I think it's my best work...which after nine months of writing, re-writing, thinking, dreaming, praying and recording..feels very good.  :fist of solidarity:

Thanks again ya'll.

peace,
jeremy & kierstin

[bryan]

i was actually wondering about when this baby would drop on my way home from church today...excited to hear it will be soon. Derek's new one on May 1st, jerry's a week later...May is gonna be a good month for folks who love good music.

bryan (who hopes to have jerry's CD a week after he has derek's...and since he already has derek's is hoping to have jeremy's CD yesterday

and casella, i hear theres a possible april 14th date in PA? make it happen! if so you gotta come over to hang and have a beer that night.

b

[Geof F. Morris]

bryan (who hopes to have jerry's CD a week after he has derek's...and since he already has derek's is hoping to have jeremy's CD yesterday

Yeah, man.  Hook some brothers up!

GFM <-- will almost assuredly be in town sometime this week

[-Chris-]

bryan (who hopes to have jerry's CD a week after he has derek's...and since he already has derek's is hoping to have jeremy's CD yesterday

Yeah, man.  Hook some brothers up!

GFM <-- will almost assuredly be in town sometime this week

You guys suck.


CJH  ()

[Geof F. Morris]

bryan (who hopes to have jerry's CD a week after he has derek's...and since he already has derek's is hoping to have jeremy's CD yesterday

Yeah, man.  Hook some brothers up!

GFM <-- will almost assuredly be in town sometime this week

You guys suck.


CJH  ()

If it makes you feel better, it's not mixed and won't be until April, so we won't have three months to lord it over you like we have with Derek. 

GFM