Beastie Boys – Ill Communication

The Beastie Boys' remastered reissue of Ill Communication with bonus disc is due July 14th.

In a widely noted post to his NIN forum regarding his "thoughts on what to do as a new / unknown artist",Trent Reznor praised the premium offerings developed with Topspin as an example of one piece of a larger approach:

"Part[n]er with a TopSpin or similar or build your own website, but what you NEED to do is this – give your music away as high-quality DRM-free MP3s. Collect people's email info in exchange (which means having the infrastructure to do so) and start building your database of potential customers. Then, offer a variety of premium packages for sale and make them limited editions / scarce goods. Base the price and amount available on what you think you can sell."

"Make the packages special – make them by hand, sign them, make them unique, make them something YOU would want to have as a fan. Make a premium download available that includes high-resolution versions (for sale at a reasonable price) and include the download as something immediately available with any physical purchase. Sell T-shirts. Sell buttons, posters… whatever."

Just don't sell your soul!

Available on iTunes: Beastie Boys: Ill Communication

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Beastie Boys: Paul's Boutique 20th Anniversary Edition
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