Daydream Plus, an emo math-rock band, has taken a unique and niche approach to releasing their debut album, 'Second Last Day Of Summer'. The album's release is not just about music; it's a statement about the band's love for physical media and a rebellion against the digital-first trends in the music industry. The band's guitarist, Payson Power, is behind this innovative idea, and his passion for retro gaming and physical music ownership is evident throughout the project.
Power's fascination with retro gaming began early in his life. He recalls spending his Friday and Saturday nights watching horror movies and playing wrestling games on the Nintendo 64. Sundays, however, were a different story. The anticipation of unfinished homework and dull classes the next day cast a shadow over the weekend, and this feeling of impending doom inspired the album's title. Power's love for physical media is also evident in his collection of records from indie stores, which he valued for the wait and the sense of building a collection.
The album's release on a retro games console is a direct response to the digital-first trends in the music industry. Power criticizes the industry's shift towards digital releases, arguing that it rewards greed and corporate bullshit. He believes that digital releases only offer a license to play, which can be revoked at any time, and that Day One updates often result in an inferior product. This is why Daydream Plus chose to release their album on a physical game console, a move that goes against the grain of the industry.
The album's chiptune remix, titled 'Extended Forecast', is a fully-functional Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) cartridge. Power spent a year re-programming the album's drums, cymbals, rhythm, lead, and bass guitar into the NES's five available audio channels. The result is a unique listening experience that changes the pixelated graphics to mirror the album's sonic journey from day to night. The album's release on a physical game console is a bold statement, and Power is confident that it will find its audience.
Daydream Plus' approach to releasing their album is a refreshing change from the digital-first trends in the music industry. It's a statement about the band's love for physical media and a rebellion against the industry's shift towards digital releases. Power's passion for retro gaming and physical music ownership is evident throughout the project, and it's a testament to the band's creativity and innovation. The album's release on a retro games console is a unique and niche approach that will undoubtedly capture the attention of music lovers and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.
