Gütersloh, 15 October 2026 – Sonopress, ZATAP and informa Music & Media are working together to make the Smart Media Album available to more artists, labels and music fans. The format combines a physical music product with an exclusive digital experience, giving fans new ways to immerse themselves in an artist’s world.
The Smart Media Album contains an NFC chip. By tapping the chip with their smartphone, fans can access an exclusive digital experience. Depending on the release, this may include music as well as exclusive videos, bonus tracks, artwork, personal messages and other content.
Artists and labels also gain a direct, measurable connection with fans who have purchased a physical product, and can see how they engage with the exclusive content. In addition, the Smart Media Album is chart-eligible in Germany, the UK and, as of October 2026, the US.
The companies bring together complementary expertise: Sonopress’ experience in media manufacturing, ZATAP’s NFC technology for digital experiences, and informa Music & Media’s expertise in the production and packaging of physical music products.
“The Smart Media Album combines the distinctive appeal of a physical music product with digital content that brings fans closer to an artist’s world. Together with ZATAP and informa Music & Media, we want to work towards making this format available to more artists and labels across Europe and the US,” says Sven Deutschmann, Managing Director of Sonopress.
“For fans, a physical album is a way of showing their commitment to the artists they love. With the Smart Media Album, this collectible becomes a direct gateway to the artist’s world with a single tap. It also gives labels a direct, measurable connection with their fans. In Sonopress and informa Music & Media, we have found partners who manufacture physical music products to the highest quality standards and at scale” adds David Geisser, Co-Founder and CEO of ZATAP.
About ZATAP
Based in Winterthur, Switzerland, ZATAP (collectID AG) develops technologies that connect physical products with digital content and experiences. Using NFC chips or QR codes, fans can access a digital platform with their smartphones, where artists and labels can bring together music, videos, bonus tracks, artwork and other content. They also gain insights into how fans interact with their products. ZATAP works with labels and partners across Europe and the US, with a focus on music and sports. For more information, visit zatap.io.
About informa Music & Media
Based in Gütersloh, informa Music & Media GmbH advises on the production and packaging of fan boxes, displays and physical media, and also offers CD and DVD production. Depending on the project, the informa Group’s services range from concept development and design coordination to printing, finishing and further processing, as well as assembly, co-packing and logistics. This enables the company to support music projects from planning through to delivery.
