Artist: Self :-)
Title: ART FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUSIC
In an era when song downloads and file sharing have turned music into a commodity, limited-edition, highly collectable packaging points one way toward a possible profitable future for independent musicians and struggling record labels. Like pricing experiments by Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails before him, :-)'s extremely creative deals may be blazing a trail toward a business model that sells experiences and access as well as music.
:-)'s packages:
1. £7: (limited edition of 10) Digital download of :-) (including free gig-worn plectrum)
2. £25: (limited edition of 10) CD/DVD disc set, plus free guitar string - as used by :-)
3. £50: (limited edition of 15) CD/DVD double-disc set, T-shirt and five-minute "thank you" phone call from :-) for buying the record.
4. £250: (limited edition of 15): Add a lunch date with :-).
5. £500 (limited edition of 15): Float with :-) in a sensory-deprivation tank and get dinner.
6. £2,500 (limited edition of 5): Take three items of your choice out of :-)'s Wardrobe (first come, first serve).
7. £5,000 (limited edition of 3) :-) will send you a letter telling you about his favourite song ever.
8. £10,000 (limited edition of 1) :-) takes you and guest to lunch and and a 2hrs Soho-cruise in the Maserati.
9. £20,000 (limited edition of 1) :-) FREE gig-worn Gibson Guitar plus :-)takes you miniature flying and then drop you off on the A406 (all filmed and posted on YouTube).
10. £75,000 (limited edition of 1) :-) takes you for a solo one 2 one acoustic –guitar performance and gives you his Range Rover station wagon.
SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! Ultimate-Experience With Self :-)
The Making of Self :-)
Self, :-), is one of the pre-eminent reggae/rock musicians of our time, an icon whose bold, channelling sound has transcended genre, style, race and class. And over a remarkable career in which he has dipped into rich influences of '70s and '80s reggae, soul, rock, funk and hip hop, :-) has managed to do it all with a contemporary urgency rivalled by none.
As :-)'s music has resonated through five studio albums into a timeless catalogue, the expansive colour of his career can now be heard on a special collector's edition of :-) 's "ART FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUSIC " album, an acclaimed release that underscores his peerless profile as a writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist.
Taken as a whole, the robustness of :-)'s music comes out in songs driven by an emotional core that materialises in soulful riffs, tasty guitar licks and soaring vocals. Though Rata has been influenced by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Santana, Bob Marley to Bob Dylan, Peter Tosh to James Brown, John Lee Hooker to Robin Trower, Burning Spear to Toots and the Maytals, Sly Stone to Curtis Mayfield, John Lennon to Paul McCartney, :-) has refused to be bound by those influences.
From the beginning of his career, :-) has consistently redefined his sound, never swimming with the tide, never taking the easy option, never painting the same picture twice, and never using the same colours. That philosophy has rewarded him with an unparalleled musical appeal.
:-)'s musical success has afforded him many opportunities in which to fulfil his creative vision. His opportunities have also extended beyond the recording industry; his career is studded with a number of highs and firsts that any industry professional would be proud of.
Being a pioneer is difficult enough, so its quite an amazing feat that :-) is not only busy in his commercial endeavours, but combines his income generating activities with voluntary contribution to a number of community development organisations and charities.
:-)
