You can hear some Radiohead influences in Peter Adams' music, but his sophomore album, I Woke With Planets in My Face, is taking a different kind of cue from Thom Yorke and Co. Adams — whose bedroom-made debut, The Spiral Eyes, helped earn him international acclaim, record company attention and a couple of profiles in Magnet magazine — is releasing the new album on May 13 in a variety of formats and with a variety of pay options.
A traditional CD version of Planets (again recorded by Adams on his own) can be ordered from CD Baby or through Adams' Web site (here). "The Lunaphonic Omnibox" version will also be available in a limited run of 500 — that version includes a vinyl copy of the album with bonus artwork and an extensive booklet featuring information on each song and the recording process (posters, buttons, stickers and patches will also be included in the "Omnibox"). This version will not be available until later this summer.
The download version of Planets is the most unique when it comes to distribution. Like Radiohead, Adams is letting fans "pay what they want" when ordering the download from his Web site. The download will include artwork as well. Adams says this isn't a one-time, limited offer or a publicity stunt — the download will forever be available at whatever cost the listener wants to pay.
Adams will be picking up his live show activity starting next month, beginning with a live appearance on woxy.com's Lounge Acts series.
When Radiohead did their pay-what-you-want experiment, some suggested that, while great for a superstar, million-selling act, this way of distributing music wouldn't fly for more unknown, D.I.Y. artists. But Adams no doubt will draw at least a little attention for the payment plan — and once listeners hear the music (it is indeed a fantastic album), word of mouth will likely spread, in which case, the unique sliding scale concept could pay great dividends.
— Mike Breen
This is exciting news...he is indeed a closet music magician. Can't wait to hear the whole thing.
Posted by: C.A. Mac | April 22, 2008 at 08:11 AM