Muse's NFT album will be first new format eligible for charts in 7 years
‘Will of the People’ will be available as a non-fungible token
Last updated 1st Aug 2022
Muse are set to release a non-fungible token (NFT) version of their new album ‘Will of the People’ alongside traditional formats later this month.
The NFT version will be the first release of its kind to qualify for the charts in the UK.
This will also make it the first new format to be added to the official charts since the inclusion of album streams in 2015.
The UK’s Official Charts Company (OCC) made NFT albums eligible for the charts several months ago, but this is the first release where the vendor is approved as a chart-return digital retailer.
Vendor Serenade is described as an ‘eco-friendly’ NFT platform.
Watch: Muse video for 'Kill or be Killed'
Martin Talbot, chief executive of the OCC, said: “Just as vinyl, 8-track, cassette tapes, CDs and even MiniDisc, DCC and DAT have been welcomed into the charts, we will also welcome Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) – and we will be delighted when the first album delivered as an NFT contributes to the chart, with Serenade and Muse leading the way this summer.
“NFTs are a new, exciting format, the potential for which is only just beginning to be explored and I am sure will play a part in the Official Charts for years to come.”
The NFT version of 'Will of the People' will be limited to 1,000 copies globally, with buyers’ names permanently listed on the linked roster of purchasers.
They will also receive a downloadable version of the album with individual sleeve as high-res FLAC files, digitally signed by the band.
Watch: Muse video for 'Will of the People'
With the NFTs limited to 1,000 and able to be purchased outside the UK, the new format is actually likely to have a minimal impact on the album’s chart placement.
Sebastian Simone, vice president of audience and strategy at Warner Records in the UK, said: “If you want to make an impact on the chart, there are definitely ways to do that.
“With Muse it’s actually not essential as they are already on tens of thousands of pre-orders. We anticipate the No 1 spot to be very clear that week.”
Muse frontman Matt Bellamy auctioned off NFTs of three tracks from his solo EP ‘Cryosleep’ last year, with proceeds going to homeless charity The Passage House.
Gallery: Highlights from Isle of Wight Festival 2022, including Muse's spectacular set
Serge from Kasabian
Saturday's main stage headliner Kasabian got the crowd going despite the drizzly weather.
Kasabian on the Main Stage
Kasabian frontman Serge opened the set with Club Foot.
Ben Burrell catches up with The Fratellis frontman
Ben Burrell caught up with Jon Fratelli fresh from their Main Stage set
Blossoms sing Your Girlfriend
Indie rockers Blossoms gave it their all on the Main Stage despite the windy weather on the island.
Blossoms sing Your Girlfriend
Indie rockers Blossoms gave it their all on the Main Stage despite the windy weather on the island.
Bush and Richie on the River Stage
Lewis Capaldi was Friday night's headliner
This was Lewis Capaldi's first ever headline slot at a festival
Madness on the main stage
Madness got the crowd pumped in the sunshine on Friday evening.
Suggs backstage at Isle of Wight Festival
Suggs and Sarah Champion caught up backstage ahead of Madness' set
The Proclaimers backstage at Isle of Wight Festival
The Proclaimers joined Sarah Champion back stage for a chat after leading the festival's biggest singalong.
The Vaccines
The Vaccines chatting to Ben Burrell before their Friday afternoon Main Stage set
The Vaccines took to the stage on Friday
The Vaccines performed in glorious sunshine on Friday afternoon
Wet Leg in the big top
Isle of Wight natives Wet Leg filled the Big Top with their Sunday afternoon set.
Sunday night headliners Muse at IOW 2022
Muse rounded off the weekend with a killer headline set on the Main Stage
Muse brought the weekend to a close on the Main Stage
Muse saw the festival to a close in style with pyrotechnics galore.
Muse frontman Matt Bellamy
Muse played a HUGE set including classics Supermassive Black Hole, Starlight and Knights of Cydonia.