February 23, 2023
Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece
Read more.png)
February 23, 2023
HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.
Read more
February 21, 2023
Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe
Read more
February 21, 2023
Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...
Read more
February 20, 2023
Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im
Read more
February 23, 2023
Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s
Read more
February 18, 2023
Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has
Read more
February 17, 2023
What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the
Read more.png)
February 14, 2023
The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close
Read more.png)
February 14, 2023
What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...
Read more
February 8, 2023
Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.
Read more
February 8, 2023
“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are
Read more
In addition to preparing for her next album, The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift is reviving the physical medium this week by putting her songs on cassette tapes. This sentimental action highlights the increasing popularity of analog media, despite streaming's dominance. The cassette is becoming a strategic layer in the way that artists interact with their followers, not just a piece of retro flare.
Why This Is an Important Time for Up-and-Coming Artists
1. Emotion is Sold by Tangibility
Fans are yearning for tangible touchpoints—items they can grasp, acquire, and feel a connection to—in an age where digital content is omnipresent. Streaming just cannot match the closeness and nostalgia that cassettes provide.
2. Using merchandise as narrative
A cassette is more than simply a way to listen to music; it's a statement piece, a collectible, and an experience. Including this layer in your release improves the narrative and increases fan interaction.
3. Combining Times to Make a Statement
Taylor's success suggests that new musicians can combine the old and the new: internet releases or social media campaigns combined with cassette aesthetics can be a potent distinction.
4. Produce Moments Rather Than Metrics
Every tape sold turns into a touchpoint; whether fans share playlist images, unboxing videos, or nostalgic visuals, the cassette also makes an impression online.
Strategy
Action Item
Release physicals in restricted quantities
Alongside your digital release, distribute a limited quantity of vinyl or cassettes. Market them as limited-edition or numbered copies.
Create with purpose
Use handwritten lyrics, alternative artwork, or behind-the-scenes images on cassette covers to showcase your distinct style.
Use images to tell your narrative
Record fan reactions, unboxings, and the taping process; divide these into TikTok posts or Reels.
Hold publishes in two formats
Organize a listening party or Instagram Live that includes both the streaming and cassette versions. Make it an occasion.
Connect analog and digital
To direct fans to your most recent material or community page, include download codes or QR codes in the packaging of your cassettes.
Taylor Swift's tape drop is a modern link rather than a throwback to the past. It demonstrates how tangible formats continue to have a strong emotional connection and provide fans with a concrete means to save their favorite music. Combining digital and physical media isn't simply a niche for up-and-coming artists; it's a new way to foster creative honesty and emotional ties.
.png)
