A Conversation with PopMarket’s David Griffith – HuffPost 10.31.11
Mike Ragogna: David, the Complete Albums series collects, if not the whole catalog, then certain segments of it in box sets. Can you tell us what are all of the components that go into making one?
David Griffith: Many of these albums have never been available on CD or in digital format before so many of the albums have been digitally mastered for the first time. There is also extensive research that goes into finding rare tracks and bonus material as well as making sure we go back to the original album cover artwork. Each set also includes a stand-alone booklet with photos and detailed discographical information.
MR: Who are the artists getting this treatment and how did you choose them?
DG: We have selected artists who have the majority of their catalog with Sony Music, but also have portions of their catalog that are currently not available or have never been available on CD.
MR: As your team has been working on these, have there been any discoveries in the vault or even about the process itself or admiration of the finished products that made these boxes more than just a reissuing exercise?
DG: Yes, there have been many discoveries along the way. Many of the sets include rarities and unreleased tracks that were discovered during the A&R process and almost all of the sets include albums that were originally released on vinyl but have never been available before on CD.
MR: Which is your favorite?
DG: What I love about this collection is that it has something for everyone. I grew up on seventies music and always loved Earth, Wind & Fire, but I have never listened to all of their albums. It has been amazing to go back and discover new songs that I have never heard before and songs that I love, but never realized were EW&F songs.
MR: What have been some of PopMarket’s best-selling products?
DG: Anything by Pearl Jam. Not sure what it is, but PopMarket members love Pearl Jam.
MR: In an increasingly digital landscape, why do you think people are still interested in buying CDs and physical albums?
DG: There is still a large audience that loves physical albums, but there are fewer places for fans to buy them. We created PopMarket just for music fans and collectors who love physical albums, box sets and vinyl records.
MR: With the first year anniversary of PopMarket approaching, is there anything special in the works to commemorate the milestone?
DG: We are planning a special anniversary offer for PopMarket members. On November 1st, we will be offering the Legacy Edition of the Pearl Jam 10 album for $10 and the deluxe edition for $100. We are also planning a 24-hour Black Friday Box Set Gift Sale that will offer a new deal every hour from midnight to midnight on Black Friday. We think this will be the perfect opportunity to purchase gifts for the holidays, so we have put together some great deals.