A simple format for a deeper fan experience
On Serenade, artists are empowered to create the Digital Pressing - a new chart, accredited music format.
Digital Pressings are the modern day limited edition vinyl. They’re musical releases produced in scarce numbers, with premium bonus content and recognition of the fans who back them.
Digital Pressings are made by artists who want to give their music a deeper visual identity and fan experience.
So what is in a Digital Pressing?
A Digital Pressing is an elevate digital music experience that comes packed with bonus content. Like vinyl, cassettes, CDs and digital downloads before them, the core asset of the Digital Pressing is simply the music and the artwork, but Digital Pressings take one step beyond these formats in extending fans access to bonus materials, be those audio, video or image assets.
What bonus material can be included?
You are entitled to include whatever bonus material you think would help tell a deeper, more engaging story around your music release, as long as it conforms to the file type and size restrictions defined in our article How do I create Digital Pressings?
If you would like your Digital Pressing to be chart accredited, you will be restricted with what you can add as bonus material depending on the type of release (single, EP, Album), and the geography of chart accreditation.
For more information please refer to our Bonus Content & Chart Eligibility guide, or consult your national chart accreditation body.
Why should my artists create Digital Pressings?
Digital Pressings include the following pieces that each individually, and collectively, bring fans joy.
Ownership of a Limited Edition Pressing
Fans love to own music. Did you know that US Vinyl sales surged 154% between 2021-22?
Exclusive Access to Unlockable Bonus Content
Build closer relationships with fans by letting them in on a deeper narrative around your artist’s release
Recognition on the First Owners List
Acknowledge fans for their support and bring their passionate selves into the legacy of your artist’s work
Ability to Play Album, EP or Single Audio
Give fans what they came for - the music
Connection Between You and your Fans
The artist-fan link that forms through a Digital Pressing has a shelf-life that extends far beyond even the best maintained record collection.
Better yet, Digital Pressings have the following practical perks:
No up-front costs
Artist accounts are free and it costs nothing to create a Digital Pressing so you can focus on what matters most - creating awesome experiences for your artist’s more supportive fans
No shipping or fulfilment admin
We front the cost of manufacturing, hosting, distributing, and transferring Digital Pressings. No dead stock, no break-even margins, no international shipping complications, and no costly re-calls. You just have to make cool shit for your artist’s biggest supporters - how it should be!
Great margins and recurring revenue
You receive 70% of each sale and get paid asap.
Simple to create
Think of it as a numbered limited edition deluxe vinyl. Same core music, same core artwork, with some bonus content from existing materials you already have, but can’t practically release in physical formats.
Content rich, but carbon light
Music culture has a long history of supporting social movements and climate change is no different. Give the 76% of music fans who expect more climate action from the music industry, a more sustainable way of supporting your work
How does Serenade work with rightsholders?
Serenade aims to be an enabler, rather than a disruptor in the music industry. We want artists, and the teams that empower them to do what they do, to gain access to new recurring revenue streams through delivering deeper musical experiences to fans.
As such, Serenade works with all industry bodies and rightsholders to come to centralised agreements for working together that fairly compensate everyone involved in the creation and distribution of music.
For more information about how you can work with Serenade please refer to our article Introduction to Serenade & Industry Partnerships.