Spinning the conversation: record variants and the musical listening experience

It’s a Friday night, the clock is close to 12am, and music fans await their favorite artists’ newest album–yet now it isn't just the music being anticipated, rather countless variants with differing styles, covers, and listening experiences. 

Nowadays it's common to see popular artists releasing countless record variants for a single project. This past August, Sabrina Carpenter announced her 7th studio album, Man’s Best Friend, that had a whopping 13 variants, and Taylor Swift is anticipating her 12th studio album in October that already has 10 cover variants out. As more and more major artists follow this same path, it raises the question of the music's purpose: whether record variants are a true way to enhance a fans experience,or merely a way to enhance sales. 

“As a music fan that collects physical media of music, I find more joy in looking out for different record variants,” Aniah Satterfield, a senior at DSA, expressed. 

Record variants can offer listeners a deeper understanding of an artist's piece. It can give fans the opportunity to see the music through a new lens. 

“When extended versions of songs are only available on vinyl pressings, it can provide a new idea that you may not receive when listening to the version you get on streaming, but it still ends up connecting to the central idea [or lack thereof] that comes with a project from an artist,” Satterfield explained. 

Along with contributing to the story and overall musical journey of a piece, record variants, especially in today's rapid world, provide a sense of calm and ability to purely listen to the music without any worries. 

“It allows me to consume the art for what it is, without worrying about if it fits into a certain playlist. I can play a record, and just look at the art made for it while still being unplugged in a way,” Satterfield expressed. 

Record variants are a unique way to be in touch with an artist's music and showcase support, but it can also cause division. Access to variants can at times lead to a rigid understanding of what it means to be a fan. 

“The conversation shifts into what that means in terms of relationship with the artist, not the art. I think that as listeners, we should take music as something the artist wants to put out for us to enjoy, and not as a way of letting people in on aspects of their life,” Satterfield commented. 

Variants can also be a financial issue for both the artist and fans. Artists must tailor and market their music effectively for it to be a success with fans. 

“There's one major issue: very few people still own record players. So sure, you could buy a record variant and just display it as visual art, but modern record players aren't as common, and aren't typically very cheap,” Paul Cahoon, an economics and finance teacher at DSA, explained. 

It is also important to note that with broad access to the internet, it has become easier than ever to access limited editions. Through leaks online, re-selling, and other forms, the success of record variants are put to the test. 

“Limited-run albums became significantly less important, because the exclusivity was often lost as an artist's entire catalogue was dumped online,” Cahoon expressed. 

Although record variants have faced push-back amidst their “comeback”, it's clear through fan demand and artists' sales that they are here to stay. 

“As long as enough fans purchase the record variants to ensure net profit over the sunk cost, then record variants are good ideas… Exclusivity is always a balancing act,” Cahoon concluded. 

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