Muse NFT Album
Summary
British rock band Muse has released “Will of the People” as the world’s first chart-eligible NFT album. With only 1,000 NFT copies sold, it still counted towards the UK and Australian charts, making history in music and technology.
A Historic Release
When British rock giants Muse released their ninth studio album “Will of the People” in August 2022, they didn’t just launch new music — they made history. The album became the first NFT (Non-Fungible Token) music release to qualify for official music charts in the UK and Australia.
What Is Special About This Album?
Muse’s “Will of the People” was sold in a limited NFT edition of only 1,000 copies worldwide, through the platform Serenade. Each NFT included high-resolution digital files and artwork that fans officially owned, similar to having a rare collector’s item but in digital form.
For the first time, music industry bodies such as the UK’s Official Charts Company and ARIA in Australia accepted NFT sales as eligible for the charts. This meant every NFT sale counted just like a CD, vinyl, or digital download.
The Chart Impact
In its first week, “Will of the People” reached Number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, making Muse the first act ever to top the charts with an NFT album.
Key Highlights
- According to the Official Charts Company, Muse sold over 50,000 units in the UK, including the NFT copies.
- The album also performed strongly worldwide, charting in more than 15 countries and topping charts in places like Switzerland and Australia.
Why This Matters
NFTs had already been popular in art and gaming, but this was the first time they became part of mainstream music measurement. This move by Muse showed that:
- NFTs can be more than collectibles — they can count as official music sales.
- Artists may find new ways to release music, giving fans unique ownership.
- The music industry is opening the door for new digital formats.
Reactions and Future
Industry experts called this “a game-changer.” Martin Talbot, chief executive of the Official Charts Company, said it was “the first format launch in seven years to be added to the charts.”
Fans reacted with excitement, though some raised questions: Are NFTs affordable for everyone? Will other artists follow this trend? Already, other musicians have begun exploring NFT singles and albums, but Muse will always be remembered as the first to break into the charts with this technology.
Final Word
Muse’s “Will of the People” is more than just an album — it’s a piece of music history. By blending rock with blockchain, the band opened a new chapter in how music can be released, owned, and celebrated.
