TIDAL moves to selling CDs

Streaming might be the future. But artist-lead streaming service TIDAL gives a nod to the past by selling CDs for selected artists. Acts can already sell their merchandise to fans through the platform, and will decide if they want to issue their product on digital and/or physical.

Prince who joined TIDAL a week ago after removing his material from all streaming services in July, is the first to use the CD service with his HITNRUN Phase One album. TIDAL is selling the CD version at US$25 with shipping along with the iTunes price of $9.99 forMP3 and a FLAC-quality download for $17.99

It is the latest move to draw users. Initially TIDAL’s strategy was that tech-head music fans would pay twice the monthly subscription fee of other services to get high-audio streaming. But the figures so far indicate they misjudged the market and few are willing to shell out the $19.99.

Last month Prince said in a statement," After one meeting, it was obvious that Jay Z and the team he has assembled at TIDAL recognize and applaud the effort that real musicians put in2 their craft 2 achieve the very best they can at this pivotal time in the music industry.

"TIDAL have honored Us with a non-restrictive arrangement that once again allows Us to continue making art in the fashion We've grown accustomed 2 and We're Extremely grateful 4 their generous support."