Music merchandise has become increasingly more important over the years. As the music industry has shifted from digital downloads to streaming, artists are “selling” their albums less and less. However, what they are selling is merchandise. As such, the production of merchandise has increased substantially, with many artists taking the direction of their offering often into strange areas. So, without further ado, here’s a whole bunch of weird merch from artists you know and love.
The Weeknd’s Vape
When The Weeknd released his vape in collaboration with PAX, he was simultaneously promoting his song “The Hills”, which contains the lyric “When I’m f*cked up, that’s the real me”. So, as you can imagine, this vape is actually quite on-brand for The Weeknd.
Kacey Musgrave’s Colouring Book
Okay, so I kind of see the relevance with this one. Considering Kacey Musgraves has a song called “Rainbow”, this unusual piece of merchandise definitely passes with flying colours. What better way to get your fans into the rainbow-mood, than by getting them to do it themselves. Plus, the colouring book is illustrated by Kacey’s mother, Karen Musgraves. We love a family moment!
Travis Scott’s Action Figure
There’s a new doll on the block and he’s got a “SICKO MODE”. Released in 2015, this action-figure is actually the same doll on his Rodeo album cover. However, with a price point of $150USD, we aren’t sure who in the world is getting this bad boy. Maybe if your earnings are the highest in the room…
Taylor Swift’s Controversial Shirt
We should have known this was trouble when it walked in. If you’re a super Swiftie, you may not recognise how this particular piece of clothing might be considered controversial. But to the normal eye, this reads “T.S. 1989” as in Tiananmen Square: 1989. And as China’s notoriously known for censoring the slightest reference to the incident, her merch expansion to the country was insensitive, to say the least.
BROCKHAMPTON’s Skipping Rope
Now, you can make like Dom McLennon and “skip on the beat like (you’re) Pee-Wee Herman”, literally! Introducing the official BROCKHAMPTON jump-rope! This piece of merch is destined to get you jumping around to all the GINGER sad-boy bangers.
LMFAO’s Sunnies
In 2008, Kanye West rocked some sunnies and we all thought to ourselves, how does he see through them? Well, in 2012, he was trumped by none other than LMFAO! These shuffler’s put the “art” in party with their aesthetically gorgeous sunnies! Just… don’t drive with them. Please?
Ariana Grande’s Questionable Sweater
Once in a blue moon, a pop queen releases merchandise so bad that it becomes iconic. This year, Ariana Grande was that queen. Her design aesthetic embodied that of a Microsoft 98 Paint meets questionable, suggestive shapes. Is that a giant blue dick on a sweater? Yes. Did I travel all the way to the United States to nab the item at the Sweetener World Tour? You bet your ass I did. Side note: The concert was also incredible.