These Bands Are Using Songbooks, Scores, and Zines to Reach Fans in A Digital Music Age

When most of Gen-Z grew up discovering music on streaming platforms, ipods, or computers, the magic of holding a cassette, record, or CD of our favorite album is lost on much of our generation. While it’s true that many artists press vinyl for each new release, CDs are usually available on merch sites, and indie band distribute cassettes of their demos at shows, the purpose of physical copies of music is a promotional tool, not a necessity for the act of listening. 

It’s interesting how this re-interpretation of physical media has been taken in new directions by bands who are selling things like lyric books, scores, or zines, centered around their musical projects. Products like these are helping a streaming generation rediscover what it’s like to have a physical manifestation of a song or album; to hold the music in your own hands, making its presence in your life feel so much stronger. In a way, it is still a great marketing tool, forging a deeper connection between artist’s music and their listeners.

In a world where we are prone to be more disconnected from the music we consume than ever, and so many artists struggle to pay their bills, purchasing this type of merchandise is a meaningful and tangible way to consume and support music and music-makers.