New Media Records

Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of the "New Media Album," a reimagined and immersive multisensory music experience designed to engage modern audiences in the digital age. With traditional music albums increasingly overshadowed by streaming, playlists, and single-track consumption, this project seeks to reinvigorate the album format by integrating audio, visuals, spatial interaction, and interactivity into a cohesive narrative.

Through a historical analysis of album design across vinyl, cassette, CD, and dig-ital formats, this research examines how physical and technological constraints have historically shaped album structure and listening experiences. By mapping contem-porary efforts to modernize the album through digital innovations, the study contextualizes the potential of new media to redefine audience engagement.

The core contribution of this thesis is the design and prototyping of a New Media Album—a multimedia installation that combines thematic immersive spaces with audioreactive elements. This prototype incorporates original music, video projection mapping, dynamic props, and interactive features to create a multisensory environment. The project’s thematic focus juxtaposes nostalgic experiences, such as campfires and communal listening, with modern societal challenges, including addiction and homelessness, to evoke reflection and emotional resonance.

Evaluation methods, including semi-structured interviews and audience feedback, highlight the prototype’s impact on participants’ perception of music as a multisensory and narrative-driven medium. While the installation succeeded in creating im-mersive experiences, findings reveal opportunities for deeper integration of music as the central narrative driver.

Ultimately, this thesis underscores the album’s enduring potential as a cohesive artistic statement, demonstrating how tradition and innovation can converge to offer meaningful and immersive music experiences in the digital era.