Okay, I know it's only select artists doing this but I find it fascinating.

 

Downloads overtook physical single sales in, what, the late 2000s?

 

Are they considered a collector's item of sorts or are there people making a point of listening to 'As it Was' on CD?

For the label: it’s a good way of getting a single higher in the charts

 

For the fan: it’s a cheap way of getting some merchandise/sometimes their autograph

I think the majority of physical music is destined to be merch, and just that. I would say most of the people buying these CD singles are the same people that would be buying them on cassette (especially as they only tend to be available online). Most people will download/stream/buy the album if it's in the shop, or just be happy to listen when they pop up on the radio.

 

The labels know that people will collect as much as they can of their favourite artists. It is literally the only reason CD singles exist now (the same as cassettes), and a bonus is that it's a cheap way to bolster chart positions - in turn gaining exposure that can lead to playlisting/longevity etc.

 

(of course some people might still listen to cassettes, some people obviously prefer CD (especially, but not exclusively, less tech savvy people), and vinyl has its demographic too... But I think people listening to these are very much in the minority)

Edited February 1, 20232 yr by Juranamo

I can't imagine anyone bothers to listen to CD singles (not when music is so readily accessible to stream), I'd say they're very much a collector's item.

 

I've often thought labels are missing a marketing trick by not putting exclusive bonus tracks (or even remixes) on CD singles that aren't available anywhere else, even streaming sites. Surely that would generate a good few extra sales?

I can't imagine anyone bothers to listen to CD singles (not when music is so readily accessible to stream), I'd say they're very much a collector's item.

 

I've often thought labels are missing a marketing trick by not putting exclusive bonus tracks (or even remixes) on CD singles that aren't available anywhere else, even streaming sites. Surely that would generate a good few extra sales?

I agree and I think fans of pyhsicals myself included would love this.

 

exactly, add exclusive b-sides!

I can't imagine anyone bothers to listen to CD singles (not when music is so readily accessible to stream), I'd say they're very much a collector's item.

 

I've often thought labels are missing a marketing trick by not putting exclusive bonus tracks (or even remixes) on CD singles that aren't available anywhere else, even streaming sites. Surely that would generate a good few extra sales?

 

I doubt the public would care that much for an exclusive b side, especially nowadays with all this mass-consumption, so the companies would be forced to release them online eventually..

of course they would, fns go bonkers for those Taylor songs that are not Spotify

I doubt the public would care that much for an exclusive b side, especially nowadays with all this mass-consumption, so the companies would be forced to release them online eventually..

Would they?

 

At least those who want to listen to exclusives can access them. Yes they have to pay for them but still.

Would they?

 

At least those who want to listen to exclusives can access them. Yes they have to pay for them but still.

Even if they didn't, they'd appear on the internet within 5 minutes of them being dispatched!

I used to love buying CD singles especially if they included a bonus track or remix. However, I haven’t bought one in quite a few years. I know select artists release them but most of them are 1 track singles which don’t interest me. I am only interested in additional content to the main song. I think the CD singles market today is very different to when they were the in thing and it’s mainly a collectible item.

I doubt the public would care that much for an exclusive b side, especially nowadays with all this mass-consumption, so the companies would be forced to release them online eventually..

 

Not necessarily true although albums Adele’s 25 & 30 has US Target exclusive tracks that are yet to appear on streaming. I’ve got a few CD singles over the last 5-@0 years where the b-side or remix isn’t available on streaming.

I like the physical format and still buy CDs but I've not bought a CD single since 2005. Generally speaking the reason I'd buy a CD single was because I couldn't see myself buying the album because it was just that song I'd like from a given artist and I didn't want to lose the opportunity to hear it again. I can listen to them all on YouTube now though. I've I'm just listening to one song then it's a lot easier that way. If I'm listening to a whole album though I'm still more inclined to listen to the CD.

I do miss buying CD's. It feels weird going into music stores now and not looking in that section (after looking there for so many years).

 

I kind of hope there is a resurgence. Companies need to release new CD playing machines, retro style!

I do miss buying CD's. It feels weird going into music stores now and not looking in that section (after looking there for so many years).

 

I kind of hope there is a resurgence. Companies need to release new CD playing machines, retro style!

 

Going into the big HMV in the city was always such a highlight! The singles section was always my favourite.

I do miss buying CD's. It feels weird going into music stores now and not looking in that section (after looking there for so many years).

 

I kind of hope there is a resurgence. Companies need to release new CD playing machines, retro style!

 

I am surprised that hasn't become a thing - you go into HMV and there's loads of lovely looking turntables. If they made CD players really nice looking, with bluetooth connection and everything maybe they would become fashionable again

I used to love buying CD singles especially if they included a bonus track or remix. However, I haven’t bought one in quite a few years. I know select artists release them but most of them are 1 track singles which don’t interest me. I am only interested in additional content to the main song. I think the CD singles market today is very different to when they were the in thing and it’s mainly a collectible item.

Completely agree. The exclusivity of a rare studio track from one of your favourite artists that can't be found anywhere else is highly appealing, especially if it's not put on YT.

 

There are many tunes that don't make the final cut, understandable if they don't fit with the rest of the album. These could be lost for ever so why not attempt to make some money out of them - it used to be one of the main reasons I purchased certain CD singles.

Edited February 10, 20232 yr by Zesty22

I really wish some UK hip-hop/rap artists in particular would release exclusive extra music off the back of a decent hit single. But again I'm realistic about this being about supply and demand sadly. Physical consumption is not as high a trait in my favourite genre of music also. It's why I do make a thing of buying physical albums now that singles are gone.

I remember how exciting it was when an artist on the X Factor saw their own CD single! It used to be a real achievement to have one; nowadays, they are just a means of fans helping their favourite artists get a high chart position.

 

Even the idea of a charity CD single has practically died, they used to be huge...though I wonder if some smaller artists would be tempted to release a CD single, just to say they had a chart hit? You probably only have to sell a handful to get in the top 100 of the physicals chart. Speaking of which, It's Christmas Time by Status Quo is currently number 20. Other bizarre mentions go to Tyson Fury at 91, and Christmas Sharks by Pinkfong at 99.

 

https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/physi...-singles-chart/

 

I have also just starting reading this article about the resurgence of CD Singles - https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/c...-format__34089/ - Olivia Rodrigo having a fake drivers license with a CD single is a genius move. Posters with singles should definitely make a comeback, too.

Edited February 13, 20232 yr by TomJ1991

I have also just starting reading this article about the resurgence of CD Singles - https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/c...-format__34089/ - Olivia Rodrigo having a fake drivers license with a CD single is a genius move. Posters with singles should definitely make a comeback, too.

Definitely would love to see more creative merch opportunities taken with CD singles and/or exclusive B-sides (at least exclusive for a set period of time). Can be a great way to keep fans engaged post album release.

Edited February 13, 20232 yr by GTH