Digipaks

Digipaks are a book-like packaging that discs usually come in, whether that be a CD, DVD or Blue-Ray. Artists and bands will sell physical copies of their singles, albums or extended plays in digipaks, so the appearance needs to stand out whilst also representing the artist and their brand. While listeners are starting to favour downloads over hard copies (www.billboard.com suggests CDs currently make up only 48% of sales, compared to 68% in 2011), even on a smart phone or mp3 player album artwork is displayed.

Furthermore digipaks sometimes link to a music video; for the Problem single digipak cover, Ariana Grande wears the same outfit as in the song’s music video.

The back cover of a digipak is typically reserved for the track listing. While it is not essential this side often features a less dominant image, if it contains an image at all. This allows a stronger focus on the track listing. For example Trey Songz fits the subject of the monochrome image (matching the cover) around the text to allow it to contrast sharply with the background. This also frames the text, further drawing attention to it.

Alternatively, on Kasabian’s new album 48:13, the track listing does not show the track names, but the each track’s length. This creates consistency with the name, which is the length of the entire album, and also ensures that the digipak stands out against all others.

Inside the digipak will be the disk and a booklet containing information- usually lyrics, dedications etc.

 

The disk is generally printed with an image. On her I Am… Sasha Fierce disk Beyoncé has used two images of herself, each styled differently. This reflects the album’s title, which refers to Beyoncé’s ‘alter ego’. Images of the artist are very common for pop artists, as brand is typically most important for artists of that genre.

 

Some artists, like Taylor Swift on this Fearless album, feature the track listing on the disc in addition to the back cover. Swift also uses an image of her hands making a heart shape, an action with she made throughout her Fearless tour 2009/10.

 

 

 

 

However most album discs feature a pattern, image or simply one block colour. For her The New Classic album, Iggy Azalea used a pattern featuring the same colour scheme as the rest of the digipak.

Many booklets contain the song lyrics, like Ed Sheeran’s +. This allows fans to learn the songs and sing along, making them feel involved in the music. The booklet will also include the names of the people and companies involved in the writing and producing of the song.

Many artists, such as Demi Lovato, will use the last page of their booklet to thank people that have helped them and allowed them to create the album, EP or single. This shows fans that the artists are grateful for their success. Furthermore most artists thank their fans, making them feel appreciated and close to artist. In her DEMI album, Lovato (like most artists) saves the last thank you for the fans, making them feel the most important.