As adults and children alike wait in anticipation for the premiere of the Barbie movie on July 20, one local business is getting in on the hype with a special event. On Tuesday, July 18, Nail City Record will host an official listening event for Barbie The Album starting at 6 p.m.
At this event, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to experience Barbie The Album before its worldwide release. This musical companion accompanies the highly anticipated event film, Barbie, featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the iconic roles of Barbie and Ken.
If you think that a movie soundtrack being released before the film premieres is atypical, you’d be correct. However, certain circumstances call for an early release, according to Nail City Record owner Jonathan Napier. “Sometimes a movie is released and the accompanying soundtrack becomes iconic for the time period it was produced. For example, there have been instances where movies like Guardians of the Galaxy, Kill Bill, The Crow, and Lost Boys had soundtracks that captivated audiences and generated immense anticipation,” said Napier.
Napier also notes that the collective star power featured on Barbie The Album, paired with the nostalgia of the Barbie brand has created quite a bit of buzz for its release. The album also has an air of mystery, with creators deliberately keeping a few of the songs secret. “The fact that Barbie is depicted playing a record in the movie itself adds a layer of authenticity and relevance to the soundtrack,” Napier adds.
Alongside the impressive musical talent, the Nail City Record’s listening party will offer exclusive Barbie The Album branded giveaways, available while supplies last. Attendees will also have the chance to pre-order the limited edition CD version, featuring an exclusive album cover. This CD will be the only physical release to include the track “Barbie Dreams” by K-Pop artist FIFTY FIFTY (feat. Kaliii).
When asked which artists Napier is most excited about, he can’t narrow it down to just one. “While the lineup includes numerous popular pop and hip-hop stars, I’m particularly excited about the inclusion of Slash and Wolfgang Van Halen. Additionally, as a fan of Tame Impala, I’m looking forward to their contribution to the album,” says Napier.
At the July 18 listening party, fans will have the opportunity to pre-order other album formats, including the Hot Pink Vinyl Edition, Standard CD edition, and retro-cool Cassette. Physical music sales have been on the rise, with vinyl records making up a total of 70 percent of all physical music sales in 2022.1 According to Napier, “the act of browsing through vinyl records, appreciating the album art, and reading liner notes adds a tactile and visual dimension to the listening experience.” Napier hopes that the Barbie listening party will create an immersive environment that captivates attendees and provide an opportunity to rediscover and reevaluate the merits of physical music formats.
To elevate the excitement, a costume contest will be held during the event. Attendees are encouraged to unleash their inner Barbie or Ken and dress up as their favorite plastic fantastic doll for a chance to win fabulous Barbie prizes. While dressing up isn’t mandatory, it’s highly recommended. “We would love to see our customers dressed up as their favorite Barbie or Ken for the party,” said Napier. “We will be hosting a costume contest with exciting prizes for the best Ken and Best Barbie!”
You won’t want to miss this remarkable evening that promises to leave you dreaming in pink. So your calendars, gather your friends, and join the folks at Nail City Record for a night of music, fashion, and entertainment. This event is free and open to the public.
To learn more about Nail City Record and all of their upcoming events, visit nailcityrecord.com.
References
1 Biron, B. (March 9, 2023). Vinyl sales surpassed cds for the first time in 35 years as records make “Remarkable resurgence.” Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/vinyl-sales-surpass-cds-first-time-since-1987-record-resurgence-2023-3#:~:text=Vinyl%20records%20made%20up%20a,the%20way%20Americans%20consumed%20music.