'When You See Yourself' Makes Kings Of Leon The First Band To Release An Album As An NFT

Calleb Followill (Instagram/@kingsofleon)

JAKARTA - Something big is going to happen. We had suspected from the start when Kings of Leon uploaded a video showing the members in a photo session. "11 days", the caption reads. Today, something really big has appeared. Kings of Leon will be the first rock band to release their new album as a non-fungible token (NFT).

Kings of Leon uploaded instructions for clues via his social media. The next video features a cut of the music video for The Bandits, their new work released last January. "10 days", reads the caption of the video. All right, we know this is a countdown.

Thursday, March 4th, things are getting clear. Kings of Leon announced an unusual release method for their new album When You See Yourself. Apart from being released to various music platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon, When You See Yourself will be released in the form of a non-fungible token (NFT) on YellowHeart. Yellow Heart is a blockchain-based music platform that was founded in 2018.

Pre-orders can be made. When You See Yourself is offered as three different types of tokens. The first is in the form of a special album package. Second, live performance facilities. And the third contains exclusive audiovisual art.

YellowHeart scored 18 gold tickets. That ticket can be used to get the front row on any Kings of Leon tour. The privilege is valid for life as part of the NFT release. The six golden tickets will be auctioned. Meanwhile, the remaining 12 will be converted into rare works of art.

"Each one is a unique NFT with the most incredible Kings of Leon art you will ever see", said YellowHeart CEO Josh Katz in an interview, quoted by Rolling Stone.

NFT album releases are generally carried out in the electronic music scene, such as 3LAU which has already practiced the NFT release method. However, Kings of Leon was the first band to release a new album in a blockchain-based format.

Kings of Leon's NFT album

A non-fungible token (NFT) is also often called a crypto collectible. Like cryptocurrencies, both are in the blockchain realm. The difference is, if all tokens are created equal in cryptocurrency, the tokens in the NFT are limited and unique. You cannot exchange NFT tokens.

Cited from Coin Desk, NFT is a form that is currently developing in the realm of the digital economy, especially in the context of blockchain. NFTs are starting to be widely used for various uses, ranging from games, digital identities, licenses, certificates, to fine arts.

Observers believe NFT can help musicians who are struggling against digital piracy, low streaming royalty rates. The NFT could also help them deal with reduced tour revenue due to the pandemic.

Regarding When You See Yourself, this album will be a wide space for listeners to enjoy Caleb Followill's poetic lyrics. In a podcast interview with journalist Kyle Meredith, Followill explains some of the influences on the writing of this album.

The Tennessee man said he was influenced by a number of films and television shows. This album will also be an honest description of the journey of Kings of Leon to reach the point of releasing this album.

Other BERNAS