Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
After her UK tour was announced yesterday, Beyoncé released her fifth studio album straight to iTunes last night – without any warning or promotion.
Columbia records boss Rob Stringer had previously made an announcement that the album was coming sometime in 2014, but the infamous Mrs. Carter pleased fans yesterday not only by releasing details of the UK leg of her impending 2014 European tour – but also by dropping her new album straight into iTunes without telling a soul.
The album, simply entitled ‘Beyoncé’, includes an exclusive multimedia package of 14 songs and 17 videos which is almost as unconventional as the release tactics. Whilst some critics are slating it as strategic and staged, Beyoncé insists that it was purely to cut out the middle man and access her fans directly.
In a statement she explains: ‘There’s so much that gets between the music, the artist and the fans. I felt like I didn’t want anybody to give the message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready and from me to my fans.’
2013 has proved to be another difficult year for musicians keeping their albums secret. Many artists have dealt with new music being leaked on sites such as Youtube before their official release dates. In response, some artists have resorted to bringing forward release dates to try and combat music piracy.
After a mammoth year of performances including a world tour and the prestigious superbowl half time spectacular, Queen B has proved to be an unstoppable force in the music world. Tickets and details for the 2014 UK tour are available now through Ticketmaster.
By Amy Trown
*Image courtesy of Asterio Tecson
