Recent Highlights: Q2 2023
Some excellent D2C campaigns and store launches continue into 2023, here’s a small selection featuring just some of the highlights including Aphex Twin, Roisin Murphy, Texas, Sub Pop, QOTSA, Partisan Record Club, The Japanese House, SBTRKT, ANOHNI, Barry Can't Swim, and Devendra Banhart
Aphex Twin
Warp Records
With his first widely available new material in 5 years, Aphex Twin returns with an intricate and melodic addition to his discography with “Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760”. Warp Records led an impressive campaign.
Posters featuring the Aphex Twin logo within a QR code began appearing in cities around the world along with larger installations at festivals. An accompanying app allowed fans to experience a clip of the upcoming single alongside an AR experience.
Then on 21st June limited clear vinyl and standard black vinyl EPs were announced for pre-order, alongside CD and 24-bit Wav formats.
Fans at recent festival performances were also able to purchase a code at merch stands giving them access to hidden vinyl products to buy from the store.
Róisín Murphy
Róisín Murphy / Ninja Tune
Ahead of the announcement for new album “Hit Parade”, Roisin and Ninja Tune launched her new artist store with an exclusive white label 12” vinyl of the single “Can’t Replicate” and then posters and merchandise featuring artwork from her recent Royal Albert Hall shows.
When album announcement day arrived, a deluxe purple vinyl including an exclusive additional track, rigid gloss laminate gatefold sleeve with holographic foil print, 24-page booklet and mirrored inner sleeves were placed on pre-order.
This was in addition to standard formats, a great range of merchandise and various bundles only available on her own store.
Texas
PIAS
PIAS launched an artist store for Texas who released a career spanning compilation “The Very Best Of - 1989 - 2023” featuring 24 classic Texas tracks as well as two the new singles 'After All' & 'Keep On Talking'.
Exclusive to the official store was the limited and numbered platinum edition which includes a double-sided 60cm x 90cm foldout poster signed by Sharleen. A t-shirt and tote bag were sold individually and as part of bundles.
Later on towards the end of the pre-order campaign, a limited and exclusive gold cassette was announced helping to secure a top 10 place in the UK album chart.
Sub Pop
Sub Pop Records
We’re very excited to welcome yet another iconic label store to the platform! Check out the new Sub Pop Megamart for ex-US customers, featuring loads of Loser edition vinyl and official merchandise.
Queens of the Stone Age
Matador
Matador announced “In Times New Roman…”, the 8th studio album from Queens of the Stone Age. Available on CD, and on gatefold 2LP in black, translucent blue, red, silver and green. With artwork designed by Boneface.
With a tour announced during the pre-order period, a presale mechanic was introduced giving all fans who ordered the album from the Matador store early access to presale tickets ahead of the general on sale date. A great return from the band with a No.2 chart placing in the UK album chart!
The Partisan Record Club (Subscription)
Partisan Records
The Partisan Record Club is now available as a monthly subscription. Each month features a new release or reissue on vinyl, plus an exclusive add-on item.
Ochre’s new subscription offering is available on request, subject to a number of requirements - get in touch to discuss your subscription project.
The Japanese House
Dirty Hit
Critically acclaimed artist The Japanese House has announced details of her long awaited sophomore album 'In the End It Always Does' out 30th June via Dirty Hit.
Available on lobster red vinyl (DH store exclusive!), cornflour blue standard vinyl, softpack CD with printed booklet, blue and yellow Cassettes.
In the later stages of the campaign a Spotify Fans First Exclusive dusty pink cassette was available to top streaming fans on Spotify.
SBTRKT
SBTRKT / AWAL
Earlier this year saw the return of SBTRKT with the announcement of the new album “The Rat Road”, his first album in seven years.
At the same time as the full album hitting DSPs for streaming, multiple physical formats and D2C exclusives went live for pre-order. Including D2C exclusive 2 x 12" gatefold glow in the dark vinyl, standard vinyl, CD and cassette.
ANOHNI
Anohni
ANOHNI launched a brand new D2C store with a flurry of activity.
Not only was the new album pre-order announced for “My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross”, this was followed quickly with a number of 7” singles and merch also offered as bundle combinations.
Barry Can’t Swim
Ninja Tune
The debut album from fast-rising Scottish multi-instrumentalist, was announced by Ninja Tune via launching an Ochre artist store.
On sale is an exclusive, limited picture disc edition, featuring unique artwork pressed into a 140g vinyl, housed in an eco-friendly transparent sleeve and comes with a signed headshot photo of Barry.
This was offered alongside pink vinyl, cd, cassette and t-shirt bundles. As well as a Spotify Fans First edition lobster red vinyl.
Devendra Banhart
Mexican Summer
Mexican Summer built a store for Devendra Banhart’s new album “Flying Wig”, which is available on opaque blue vinyl, standard black vinyl and CD, all formats also include a 24” x 24” poster.
And purchasing from his artist store gives 300 lucky customers the chance of a signed polaroid! Unique Adventures of The Flying Wig polaroids, photographed and signed by Devendra Banhart will fly into 300 lucky customers' orders at random.
Let your wig fly!
