New Service Eyes Next Step in Digital Music Revolution

New Service Eyes Next Step in Digital Music Revolution

Captures Non-Digital Elements, Converts Album Art to New Formats

MADISON, Wis., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Album artwork and packaging that was once an integral part of the music experience has either been overlooked completely or made into low-resolution thumbnail images on today's digital music sites. TuniPop reconnects consumers with the non-musical elements of their favorite artists with services that convert record album covers to new formats, such as framable art prints and apparel.

"Music merchandising is out of sync with the growing trend towards digital music consumption," says TuniPop founder Andy Young. According to Music Week, about 2% of global music market, or nearly $1 billion is spent annually on mass-produced music posters and t-shirts. "As stylish as iPods are, they are also ubiquitous, and the passionate music fans will ultimately want to outwardly express themselves through merchandising that is individualized to their own tastes and desires," adds Young.

Initially, the company will focus services on the generations of music fans who recall vinyl records. "It's interesting how many people still have record albums sitting around even if they haven't had a turntable to play them on for 15 or 20 years," says Young. Thanks to on-line music sites, baby boomers and older generation"Xers" are rediscovering songs from their past, which is creating a renewed interest in old records, not for their music, but the tangible qualities of the packaging and visual imagery. The service also has appeal for younger consumers interested in retro artists and styles from decades past.

TuniPop's services effectively turn album covers into one-of-a-kind works of art suitable for home or office, and reflect a stylish vintage look. The conversion process incorporates the entire album cover as the subject matter; worn surfaces, taped edges and ripped sides, details that may signify special meaning to the owner. The result is an aesthetic form that is completely organic and not seen in mass-produced posters or t-shirts.

"This is a first step for TuniPop," says Young, a 25-year veteran of the graphic arts industry and serial entrepreneur. "Unfortunately, the current model for merchandising is centered around mass-production, not discreet manufacturing. For now we will service customer-supplied materials in a limited fashion. However, I envision an environment where an artist's non- musical assets are digitally managed in a way that benefits everyone, and is compelling to consumers."

TuniPop operates in a manner similar to services that convert music CDs to iPods and other music players. Aware that it has an obligation to protect the interests of copyright owners, TuniPop will only make one reproduction of any single album cover at the specific request of, and for the private, non- commercial use of customers who supply legal copies of records albums, CDs, 45s and similar record types.

For more information, please see http://www.tunipop.com/ or call 1-888-823-2312 ext. 704.

Contact: Andy Young
Phone: 888-823-2312 ext. 704
mail to: news@tunipop.com
web: http://www.tunipop.com/

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: TuniPop

CONTACT: Andy Young of TuniPop, +1-888-823-2312 ext. 704, or
news@tunipop.com

Web site: http://www.tunipop.com/

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