The limited-edition Digital Pressing of James Rhodes’ new album will feature exclusive bonus content and will be on sale on 31 March through Signum Classics and Serenade
British-Spanish pianist James Rhodes has today announced a collaboration with web3 music platform Serenade, where he will be releasing a limited-edition Digital Pressing of his new album Vitamin C. Serenade made history in 2022 with a world-first chart accredited NFT, helping rock legends Muse to a number one album. James Rhodes is the first classical artist to work with Serenade, as Signum Classics pave the way for classical music to move into previously unexplored territory.
Vitamin C will be released by Signum Classics on 31 March, alongside the Digital Pressing on Serenade. Each Digital Pressing unlocks HD audio alongside access to exclusive content including videos of James talking about the creation of the album. Every owner will also have their name listed alongside the record, allowing for the ultimate level of fan recognition.
Three singles from the album will be released on all major streaming sites before the full album and the first of these – Chopin’s Mazurka, Op. 17, No. 4 – will also be available as a Digital Pressing from 5pm on 15 February, strictly limited to 25 editions.
The album features music by Chopin and J S Bach, including a transcription of Bach’s Widerstehe doch der Sünde by Vikingur Ólafsson. Rhodes said “It’s been a while since my last album and I have chosen to record a few of the pieces that have had the most impact on me and given me the most comfort. God knows we all need a shot of something right now, and these pieces combine to form a monster dose of Vitamin C for the soul. Listening to Pogorelich playing Chopin’s 3rd scherzo at the Chopin competition, Gould keeping me company in the middle of the night with the B flat minor prelude and fugue or Sokolov performing the rarely played impromptu in London have been defining moments in my life,in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Every piece on this album has a similar story of inspiration and hope for me.”
Signum Classics continues to be at the forefront of the recording industry, spearheading change and exploring new recording trends and opportunities. Steve Long, Founder of Signum Records, said “I first came across Serenade at the end of 2022 and was impressed by their enthusiasm to embrace new forms of content delivery without confusing the consumer. An NFT that’s not really an NFT and has no connection to crypto currencies. What’s not to like? They are a forward-thinking innovative start up and we wanted to be able to apply their enthusiasm to a more traditional genre of music.”
Max Shand, Founder of Serenade, said “We’re delighted to be partnering with James and Signum on the first classical album in the Digital Pressing format. Working with an artist as eclectic, talented and passionate as James is an honour, and we’re hugely grateful to have been entrusted with this album. Delivering more meaningful fan experiences through the ownership of music is central to our mission, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming fans of James to our platform as collectors.”