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The Tale of Vulfpeck’s Silent Album

03.15.2017 by M Donaldson // Leave a Comment

Today I Found Out just posted a video detailing Sleepify, that fascinating crowdfunding ploy by Michigan band Vulfpeck:

An important bit that’s mentioned in passing is that Vulfpeck encouraged sleeping fans to play the silent album on repeat overnight (thus, Sleepify) to add to the playcount coffer. Though this tactic was initially creative and effective (really, hats off to ’em), I do think Spotify were justified in putting a stop to the potential trend of ‘silent album’. There would certainly be hundreds of uninspired copycat ‘silent albums’ with a sole money-making purpose if this was tolerated (Spotify’s already dealing with new ridicule for a preponderance of “karaoke versions” and the like mucking up the works).

I also think it’s unfair to compare Sleepify to John Cage’s “4’33″” as Cage’s purpose in ‘writing’ that piece wasn’t to raise funds for a tour. But, I’ll go one further and say that “4’33″” shouldn’t be on Spotify either … it only truly resonates when performed live:

Categories // Uncategorized Tags // Music History, Spotify, Tactics

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8sided.blog is an online admiration of modernist sound and niche culture. We believe in the inherent optimism of creating art as a form of resistance and aim to broadcast those who experiment not just in name but also through action.

It's also the online home of Michael Donaldson, a curious fellow trying his best within the limits of his time. He once competed under the name Q-Burns Abstract Message and was the widely disputed king of sandcastles until his voluntary exile from the music industry.

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