In a rare move, Apple has opened the doors on its iTunes LP enhanced media format to independent labels and artists.
This is great news for indie artists and labels seeking to enrich their online presence. This format allows for more engaging content than the standard mp3s and album artwork previously available to indie artists on iTunes.
What is an iTunes LP?
Vinyl LPs and compact discs have always provided a physical connection with the music listener that digital music has struggled to achieve for years. Apple recently introduced iTunes LP as a new feature in the iTunes 9 update in an attempt to increase the interactivity of digital music sold through the iTunes online store.
An iTunes LP looks like an enhanced iTunes store front. Although there are not many iTunes LPs available just yet, major label artists such as Bob Dylan and Muse have iTunes LPs available online in the iTunes store. These iTunes LPs include extra content for fans such as photos, lyrics, videos, discographies, liner notes, and more.
How to Create and Publish an iTunes LP
For artists and labels interested in making an iTunes LP, Apple has created a web page dedicated to iTunes LP creation, development and delivery. This page contains links to the appropriate templates and informative documents designed to help independent artists and labels successfully start, develop and deliver an iTunes LP to the iTunes store.
The one big downside to iTunes LP is that the submission process for indie iTunes LPs will not be automated until early 2010. Until then, independently created iTunes LPs must endure a manual submission process that Apple describes as "limited". Furthermore, all iTunes LPs will be reviewed by the staff at iTunes for "appropriateness of content and for technical quality".
iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras: The Future of Independent Music and FIlm?
Despite the fact that automatic submission is still months away, indie labels and artists looking to enhance the interactive experience for fans online should seriously consider downloading the templates and how-to PDFs and begin the process of creating an iTunes LP.
Working with the templates and supplied tutorial documents will only lead to a better understanding of the iTunes LP enhanced media format which in turn should help indie labels and artists create the best possible iTunes LP.
Apple has also released iTunes Extras which is basically iTunes LP for independent filmmakers. Informative documents and templates on the iTunes Extras rich media format are available with the iTunes LP information.
Clayton Worbeck - Clayton is a professional music producer, engineer and musician specializing in electronic and rock music. He has worked as an audio ...
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