This weeks announcement that U2 was releasing their new album, Songs of Innocence, for free was met with both joy from the fans and questions on why they would use such a tactic.
Obviously, the move will hurt the actual sales of the album when it is released in mid-October, so there had to be more to the deal than meets the eye.
A message from Bono on the official Facebook page on Tuesday may shed some light on the situation. In it, he says that a second album, Songs of Experience, is just around the corner.
We’re collaborating with Apple on some cool stuff over the next couple of years, innovations that will transform the way music is listened to and viewed. We’ll keep you posted. If you like Songs of Innocence, stay with us for Songs of Experience. It should be ready soon enough… although I know I’ve said that before…
The band also won't be going broke over the Innocence promotion. Apple has paid both U2 and their record company, Universal, a fee as a blanket royalty, one that is being reported as worth up to $100 million.
The basis for all of the new strategy can, most likely, go to the band's new manager, Guy Oseary, who took over the reigns a year ago. His innovative moves have been guiding Madonna's career for many years and it looks like it may also be reinvigorating U2's.
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