Linkin Park take one step closer to fans with 3D-printed figurines
Rock band latest to tap new printing technology, but limited run of 1:5 scale models costs $499 per band member
Fans on a budget can choose to pay $149 for 1:10 scale models, or$295 for a 1:20 scale version of the entire band, posed in front of some official artwork.
Staramba is also planning to take its 3D scanning equipment to venues on Linkin Park’s current “Carnivores” tour, enabling fans to get themselves scanned and turned into a figure with their favourite band member.
It’s just the latest crossover between music and 3D printing, as artists try creative and commercial experiments with the technology.
In November 2013, Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke released a new track as a 3D-printed record, sold from a pop-up shop in London to benefit music charity Nordoff Robbins, using a technique developed to convert digital music files into vinyl-like 3D prints.
Then, in February 2014, Cut Copy teamed up with technology firm BitTorrent to distribute 3D-printable files for the computer-animated characters in its We Are Explorers video, encouraging fans to print the figurines then recreate the video.
3D-printed guns took a starring role in M.I.A.’s Double Bubble Trouble music video in May, while Will.i.am was announced as chief creative officer of 3D printing startup 3D Systems earlier in the year.
It’s preparing to launch a printer that will source its materials partly from recycled plastic bottles, through a partnership with Coca-Cola. Will.i.am will be designing “fashion, music and tech minded accessories” for the device.
