Researching Ancillary Products

In today's lesson we discussed as a class and then as a group the importance of Digipaks and their functions in the music industry. A Digipak is a modern approach to CD/DVD packaging that has been introduced by the music industry in the last 10 years. It is made of thick cardboard (conveniently doesn't break when dropped like CDs!) and includes a lot more information on the artist, in a little booklet that comes with it. It's plays on the idea of 'Adding Value' as they are a little more expensive than CDs but include lots more. It can be said that Digipaks are aimed at dedicated fans, as it plays on your love of music and the artist. It is said that 'real fans' will buy their artists' music, and if you don't then you're not a true committed fan!

Digipaks are still sold despite the decline in sales, this is because they are particularly aimed at true fans and aim to give music lovers more for their's money worth. The beauty in Digipaks is that they help to combat piracy, as they cant be downloading as you will not receive the extra features a Digipak provides. This encourages fans to buy Digipaks, therefore supporting the artist and helping the industry. These ancillary products are so important to the artists and industry for many reasons, They help to bring in more profit, as advertising is all around us and constantly promotes the artist. We rely constantly on advertising as there is no other way we would hear about new songs and artists! As well as this, Digipaks are more expensive than CDs, so buying these obviously make the artist and the industry a lot more money.

Digipaks in some ways can be seen as an expression of art which is very popular. Ultimately, as fans of music and art, the combination of both is great, as we love viewing the art of a Digipak/CD cover showing an image of artist or a symbolic representation of them. We enjoy looking a nice things, and it attracts people as a wide audience. The art work of Digipaks is so popular because it represents the artist and stands out. It also allows the artist to change the image and even their music, as a picture on the front usually represents the type of music the artist makes. It is a way of expressing the artists intent and can often set trends and inspire people.

Here are a few album covers, which represent the artists in artistic way. The hiphop artist J.Cole is dressed casually and shot from a far sitting down. The colours are subtle. Beyonce is shot in a mid shot and is looking away from the camera, the image of her dominates the cover. Ellie Goulding, an alternative pop artist is shot in a medium close up with lighting effects around her. The big image of her makes her stand out. Finally, Cher Lloyd, a mainstream pop artist is shot in a different position, lying down conveying the youthful, pop music she makes. The bright but subtle colours also attract attention and stand out.