The Kit Album Format – The Next Evolution of Physical Music or Just a Passing Trend?
Introduction: Welcome to a special edition of Music Biz Chat, brought to you by Now Spinning Magazine. If you’re like me, you probably have a deep love for vinyl and CDs—any physical format that lets you truly hold your music. Recently, however, a new contender has appeared on the scene, and it’s surprisingly popular in the K-Pop world. It’s called the Kit Album Format, and labels outside of Korea are now starting to experiment with it.
In this post, I’ll explore what a Kit Album actually is, why it’s generating buzz, and whether it stands a chance alongside our beloved vinyl and CDs.
What is the Kit Album Format?
Imagine a small tin or box filled with postcards, stickers, and a “kit cartridge.” It might look like a futuristic USB drive or a little gadget that pairs with a special phone app called the “Kit Player.” Once paired, you can access the album’s music through the app for 24 hours. After that, you must reconnect the cartridge for another 24 hours of listening.
Some of the first rock bands using this format include Those Damn Crows (with their God-Shaped Hole release), Skindred, and Massive Wagons. Notably, these bands already have their albums on vinyl, CD, and download, yet the label is offering a fourth format option—Kit Albums—that includes exclusive pictures and memorabilia.
How Does It Work?
Physical Package: You get a tin or box containing postcards, stickers, and other collectible items.
Kit Cartridge: This cartridge pairs with a downloadable Kit Player app on your phone or tablet.
24-Hour Access: Once connected, the app grants you full access to the album for 24 hours. To listen again after that, you simply reconnect the cartridge.
Pros
Collectibility: Much like K-Pop albums, Kit Albums have strong visual appeal—postcards, stickers, and collectible photos that enhance the feeling of owning something special.
Novelty Factor: It’s new and unique. For fans who enjoy trying the latest formats, this is definitely something to talk about.
Bridging Physical and Digital: If you love physical items but also want music conveniently on your phone, this merges both worlds—at least temporarily.
Cons
Lack of Permanent Ownership: Unlike a CD or vinyl record, you don’t truly “own” the music. Once that cartridge or the app stops working, you could lose access.
24-Hour Window: Having to reconnect the kit cartridge every day could be cumbersome—especially if you’re used to unlimited streaming or simply popping in a CD.
Longevity Concerns: What happens years down the line if the app isn’t updated or the label pulls support? You’re left with a tin of merch but no playable music.
The “Silent Vinyl” Trend
Some people buy vinyl purely for the artwork and collectibility yet never actually play the record. Instead, they stream the album via digital services. If you’re that kind of collector, the Kit Album might feel familiar—lots of visual goodies but the music itself is locked away in an app.
Would You Buy One?
That’s the million-dollar question. Is the Kit Album format a fun collectible that supplements your collection? Or is it essentially “paying for smoke,” as one listener put it—promising physical ownership but serving up music that’s basically on a remote server?
You Tell Me!
Do you already own a Kit Album?
Would you consider buying one for the extras alone?
Or do you prefer the certainty of a CD or vinyl record that you can play any time, no strings attached?
Join the Discussion
Let me know in the comments or in our Now Spinning Magazine community spaces (Facebook, YouTube Members, Patreon, etc.) whether you think this Kit Album concept is brilliant or bonkers. As always, the beauty of music is that we can all enjoy it in the format that resonates with us the most.
Remember: Music is the healer and the doctor, and even if it comes in a futuristic little cartridge, it’s still the art that connects us.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your thoughts!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine