As the world adapted to the restrictions on live performances and in-person gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic, the music industry has thrived on a wave of nostalgia as evidenced by the sharp increase in LP and cassette tape sales - and Ruby Records understand the needs of its listeners
Korean independent record label Ruby Records announced that it will be releasing some of its cult-classic releases into LP and cassette tapes with the support of fans everywhere. The albums set for a re-release include the Jang Deok Tribute Project, the Rainbow Note EP [Animation], as well as Lee Jang Hyuk's 2nd and 3rd albums.
ALSO READ: [LISTEN] Rainbow Note Leads 'Jang Deok Tribute Project' with 'After You've Gone'
To start, the EP [Animation] was the first of its kind released by the City Pop duo Rainbow Note, who have stood at the center stage of the rapidly-emerging lo-fi music scene. The genre, which has seen significant growth thanks to fan-made videos that brought back the hit songs of the 70s and 80s. It led to a resurgence of city pop and disco music, a genre that Rainbow Note perfectly captures through its new songs. As the first release of [Animation] in CD and LP formats was sold out, Ruby Records is giving fans another opportunity to relive the unique romance of the 80s with the city pop sound as it reproduces the album in LP format.
Next is the surprise hit Jang Deok Tribute Project, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the passing of the K-pop pioneer. Released in installments, the project involved Ruby Records artists Motte and Rainbow Note, bringing the wonderful music of Jang Deok to modern audiences. Motte gave her own spin with the songs "Close To You" and "A Girl and a Streetlamp" while the Rainbow Note duo performed "After You've Gone" and "Yeah, Yeah." While these tracks were previously released in digital format, now fans of the late Jang Deok and the modern indie music scene can enjoy these songs in timeless LP format.
Lastly, solo singer-songwriter Lee Jang Hyuk also saw commercial and critical success last year as his second and third albums were both included in the Top 100 Korean Pop Music albums. To honor this achievement, and as a show of affection to the fans who made it possible, Ruby Records will be re-releasing both albums in LP format for the first time ever.
"In the worst situation in the performance industry with covid 19, physical records centered on LPs are being sold out and making a small breakthrough," said an official from Ruby Records. Its second LP funding round will be backed by the Incheon Cultural Foundation as a part of its 2021 crowdfunding support project, which will run for a month starting from July 23.
