Despite the ever-increasing ubiquity of digital streaming, which looks poised to supplant even paid downloads as the primary format for music in this century, we’re still suckers for a great album cover. As far as we’re concerned, the weirder, more creative, more original, and more obscure, the better.
However, the cover of Extraterrestria, the latest album from acclaimed turntablist QBert could just be the greatest thing we’ve ever seen. This incredible album cover is not merely a decorative record sleeve, but actually doubles as a fully functional wireless DJ controller.
No, we’re not kidding. The work that went into this one-of-a-kind record cover was funded back in January via Kickstarter, which managed to raise $128,378 ($28,378 over its $100,000 goal). QBert collaborated with Algoriddim’s DJay app and Novalia’s touch technology to create the Bluetooth-powered gatefold cover.
Fans can use the app to run tracks from Qbert’s album or any other MP3s they like through the two decks printed on the sleeve and are then able manipulate them by hand. According to FACT, while most copies of the album will go to Kickstarter donors, there will be a limited amount available on the Thud Rumble site.
