Before a record gets an official release white label promotional copies are often distributed to radio stations, DJ’s and music industry employees. NB* ‘Test Pressings’ are often grouped with white labels, as the name suggests these are used to test a record before manufacture and not for promotional purposes. Test Pressings are highly prized as they are made in even smaller quantities than promos.
Who Makes Them?
They are produced by both the major record labels and the independents, in some cases they are self made by upcoming bands/artists looking for a means to promote themselves.
What Do They Look Like?
As the name suggests they tend to be sent out in an unfinished state, often with plain white custom stamped labels and promo marked/plain sleeves.
Why Do We Like Them?
For the record collector the chance to own an extremely limited release by their favourite artist/band with different artwork and, in some cases, different mixes or even tracks to the official release, not only make them highly desirable but, choose well, and you’ve bagged yourself an instant collector’s item too!
Here’s our current Top 5 favourites, to see full list click here
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2 Comments
If a Japanese white label promo – 7″, 12″ or LP, has a date stamped (or hand-written) on the label, what is the significance of that date? Is it a pressing date or perhaps as in the US, the date on which a particular station or DJ had received it?
If a Japanese white label promo – 7″, 12″ or LP, has a date stamped (or hand-written) on the label, what is the significance of that date? Is it a pressing date or perhaps as in the US, the date on which a particular station or DJ had received it?
Our understanding is the date is the release date.