Research and planning – Digipak: Digipak Information

Artist name:

When deciding on an artist name we wanted to ensure we promoted originality therefore we choose the name; Sarsha for our artist. Sarsha is a different kind of name that stands out from the norm. We chose this name as it is simple to write and say, and is catchy. Therefore, we believe this name is suitable for our artist as it is reflective of her unique persona and establishes her ideologies too. Its originality matches the alternative style of our product.

Album name:

We have decided to name our album, ‘China White’ as we believe that it reflects the music genre and also because it’s a universal idea because some people will react on this title individually. In addition, it is not obvious as to its content and will evoke a sense of mystery in our audiences. In reality China White refers to drugs which shows that the artist addresses upon the theme of addictions and important issues which is conventional of the indie genre. Furthermore, we can connote China White with porcelain which is a fragile material just like the victims of drugs. These connotations will enhance the album. Therefore, we believe this album name is suitable and encourage a wider audience to buy it. It is important that the album name is catchy and appealing to the target audience as it is one of the first things as well as the picture that draws the audience to the album, and determines whether they will buy the album. We have also decided to name the album ‘China White’ as the simplicity of it is suitable for the target audience who will be from working class backgrounds, aged 15+.

Track list:

The track list we have chosen includes nine songs and one bonus track, which are all similar in that they all draw upon similar themes, including, self-disruption, loneliness and addiction. These are common themes associated with the Alternative/Jazz genre and appeal to the target audience who are most likely to be able to relate to these themes as a result of them being the right age group who are likely to experience love and relationships most. In addition, the tracks all relate to drugs in some sense to help the artist address an important issues of addictions which is prominent within today’s society.

The tracks on the track list include:

1)      Dying Whisper

2)      Lost in Wonderland

3)      Wine & Cigarettes

4)      Black Beauties

5)      Cloud 9

6)      Poor Man’s Ecstasy

7)      Happy Pills

8)      China White

9)      You Complete Me

Bonus Track:

10)  I didn’t think enough

We have chosen various different track names, which do not all promote the themes through their title, instead certain track names such as ‘Black Beauties’ and ‘Dying Whisper' reinforce suspense and interest, which we done intentionally to create this impact from the audience. By using less obvious track names we gain a sense of mystery and can be individualistic for the audience.

Music Institution:

We decided to use Polydor Records who are part of the Universal Music Group. This institution in an American worldwide music conglomerate. It is a subsidiary of a French company, Vivendi. They own a number of different record labels such as Capitol Records. Universal specializes in the mainstream and current artists. However, their subsidiary record labels sign up indie artist which gives them a mass appeal. Polydor Records work alongside Lana Del Rey who is a successful indie performer. By using the same music institution, I will be able to gain some attention through below the line marketing. In addition, Shura is also part of the company which is another popular female indie artist that our artist will associate with. The institution is already established which gives us more financial stability and security which will aid us when trying to debut an artist.

Production Company:

Our production company is called ‘The UnknOwn Duo’. We decided that it is mysterious and catchy to remember therefore is likely to sell. In addition, our logo is simple and not ‘flashy’ which matches the alternative and indie genre of our product. 

Explicit Lyrics Label:

We decided to leave out the ‘Explicit Lyrics’ label because the song and our overall product is unlikely to upset anyone. In addition, indie/ jazz genre doesn’t associate with swearing or explicit language therefore there is no need to insert the label as this type of music avoids such content due to its mature feel.