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Kings of Leon's new album will be released as NFT for fans to unlock special perks

It'll be available as three types of tokens, in addition to being on other platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

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Abrar Al-Heeti
2 min read
Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon's soon-to-be-released album is making history.

Getty Images

Kings of Leon's latest album, When You See Yourself, won't just be released through more standard platforms like Spotify , Apple Music and Amazon when it comes out Friday. Instead, it'll also be available as a nonfungible token, or NFT, through YellowHeart, a blockchain-based music platform, Rolling Stone reported Wednesday. 

NFTs are a kind of cryptocurrency that carry goods like tickets, art and music. Because they operate on a blockchain, anyone can access the details of an NFT transaction. Their value goes up and down like stocks, Rolling Stone notes.

The band will reportedly release the album as three types of tokens, with one being a special album package, the other providing live show perks like front-row seats, and another for exclusive audiovisual art. The token will cost $50, and will include a digital download, limited-edition vinyl and "enhanced media" like a moving album cover, Rolling Stone says. Customers can purchase the album NFTs starting Friday at 12 p.m. ET. After two weeks, there reportedly won't be any more made. 

YellowHeart is also creating 18 "golden tickets," according to the report, six of which the band will auction while the rest will be vaulted. "Each one of those is a unique NFT with the most incredible Kings of Leon art you've ever seen," YellowHeart CEO Josh Katz told Rolling Stone. Owners of the tokens will have access to four front-row seats during any Kings of Leon tour for life. They'll also get a VIP experience with a personal driver, concierge at the show and the chance to spend time with the band before the show, as well as lounge access. When the show's over, their car will be packed with four bags containing all items from the merchandise booth.

Kings of Leon is the first band to release an album as an NFT, Rolling Stone notes, though other musical acts including Portugal. The Man and Shawn Mendes have been getting involved with NFTs.