Ok, status of the album so far:

1. Music

• about 19 tracks have been recorded and are “finished or nearly finished”, plus the 19 tracks of 20/20 (where I haven’t decided on which ones to use, but expect another 10 or so of those to make it onto the album).
• six more are “well on their way”, meaning they’re written and partially recorded – there may be one recorded part missing or something.
• there’s about twenty (!) sketches – meaning musical ideas which are completely thought-through, but not written-out or even recorded. However, if and when I have the time (and get the collaborators, where I think I have a good chance), they could be done as well.

That gives a total of between 50 and 60 tracks, if nothing will be added to the current plans.

2. Cover Art

The concept has been finished, the creative briefs for the artists have been sent out, the brief for the lead designer is to follow. So far, I am still in need of additional visual artists – so if you’re interested, give me a holler!

3. Product Strategy

There will be a digital download, and there won’t be a normal physical CD.

The download will include an elaborate PDF booklet with lots of great cover art (see 2 – I’m really proud of that idea!)

There will be a hideously expensive limited edition physical package. Think of a big booklet (which then also holds the physical CD) the size of a vinyl sleeve (but much thicker). High-quality print, numbered and handsigned – and with a big price (think >€40). I’m really curious if this will catch on.

Apropos price: there’s a good chance that the download will not be free/pay-what-you-want, rather it will be a relatively low price “or more”. Some limited time offers may still allow the average joe to get it for free.

Of course, that doesn’t apply to you: if you’re reading this, you either signed up for the #secretalbum secretinfo, or you’re an artist that’s involved in the project – which means free download for you!

Apropos, that free download for you will be available in advance.

4. Release Schedule

Let’s stay realistic here: the time for the cover art upon having recruited all the artists will be two months minimum. The time to get all the tracks written and recorded will be three months minimum. Add to that one month for mastering etc., and add another month to make up for unforeseen events.

This means end of December or later. To be realistic, I’m hestitant to move away from my earlier “Q4/2011 or later” announcement. Judging from the progress so far, I’d say Q1/2012 would be a very realistic date.

There will actually be two release dates:

Starting on date one, some teasers will be published and the thing will be available for some kind of pre-order. Also, at that date, the free downloads (see above) will be made available. And I’ll also try to get it into Nick Tann’s wonderful broadcast…

About one month later, the thing will finally be available.

So much for now, yours,

Rainer