EMAP has announced that it will be the first UK company to release an album on a USB memory stick - when their Kiss radio station makes it's upcoming 'Kiss Does... Rave' album available on the memory device as well as CD. The move follows single releases in the memory stick format by Universal's Island division, and may further talk of recognizing sales of memory sticks with singles or albums pre-loaded for chart eligibility. The album is out on 30 Apr.
Commenting on the release, Kiss MD Steve Parkinson told CMU: "Kiss listeners are among the savviest out there so this first is perfect for them. It's another example of Kiss being ahead of the game, knowing its audience and engaging with them in ways that will inspire and entertain. The downloading and new media market for music is rapidly growing and we will continue to innovate in this area as it develops".
Commenting on the latest development in the music-on-memory-sticks domain, HMV Product Manager Melanie Armstrong added: "We had a great response to the release of Keane's 'Nothing In My Way' single on USB when that came out last September, so I'm sure there'll be a lot of music fans looking for albums to be released on this versatile new format. 'Kiss Does...' is a great compilations brand with a strong contemporary appeal, so it lends itself perfectly to this innovation".