In a groundbreaking move that merges artistry, technology, and innovation, the digital arts collective PleasrDAO has shattered traditional music distribution norms by releasing Wu-Tang Clan’s legendary album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, as a non-fungible token (NFT). This bold step marks a new chapter in the evolution of music ownership and accessibility, inviting fans to experience the iconic album in a revolutionary digital format.
The world’s most expensive album is available for $1.
Enter the chamber and secure a copy – 2103 will come faster than you think.https://t.co/QRmGdIrwOy pic.twitter.com/rTCkuH0It3
— ✨ Pleasr (@PleasrDAO) June 13, 2024
While the complete album remains under lock and key, tantalizing listeners with only a five-minute sampler, the concept behind this NFT release is nothing short of revolutionary. Pioneering a novel approach to music ownership, PleasrDAO has introduced a unique mechanism where the unlocking of the full album is contingent upon a collective effort by fans, with each NFT purchase accelerating the countdown to its eventual release.
The original contractual restrictions imposed by Wu-Tang Clan, mandating that the album could not be commercially exploited until the distant future of 2103, have been ingeniously circumvented through this innovative NFT model. By leveraging technology and collaboration, PleasrDAO has redefined the boundaries of music distribution, offering a glimpse into a future where artistry and blockchain intersect to create new possibilities for artists and audiences alike.
HOW IT WORKS
> The album is encrypted and each purchase moves the 2103 decryption date forward by 88 seconds.
> Copies are tradable as $ALBUM.
> Purchase unlocks a new album sampler created by Cilvaringz exclusively for this drop.— ✨ Pleasr (@PleasrDAO) June 13, 2024
Despite the ongoing negotiations between PleasrDAO and the group’s producer, Cilvaringz, regarding full rights to Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, the anticipation surrounding this NFT release is palpable. With the promise of progressively unveiling additional tracks to purchasers over time, this artistic experiment promises a dynamic and interactive experience for fans eager to delve into the musical tapestry of Wu-Tang Clan’s magnum opus.
The recent legal battles and temporary restraining order against Martin Shkreli, the previous owner who illicitly shared the album online, underscore the complexities of navigating the digital landscape of music rights and ownership. As PleasrDAO forges ahead in their mission to democratize access to Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, the significance of this initiative transcends mere music distribution, embodying a fusion of art, technology, and community engagement.
Our master plan is to release the music to the public in a way that honors the Wu-Tang Clan and gets them paid while circumventing the streaming oligopoly; every action we are taking is in service of that mission.
— ✨ Pleasr (@PleasrDAO) June 11, 2024
As the album prepares to make its public debut as part of an exhibit at Australia’s Museum of Old and New Art, the convergence of music, technology, and blockchain heralds a new era in the art world. Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time in Shaolin as an NFT exemplifies the transformative power of innovation in redefining how we experience and engage with music, paving the way for a future where creativity knows no bounds and artistry knows no limits.
