Let's settle this...

[OMonster 14,720]

I know, I know - another thread on the dreaded topic of delay. 

But I haven't seen one, straightforward yes / no poll, and I'd like to gauge what the mood is here on GGD. 

So... 

The argument to delay: 

- It's highly likely that the April 10th release date will refer only to digital copies. No physicals will be available on the 10th. 

- We will receive little to no promo for this album. No interviews, no looks, no full 'era' that we have all craved for so long. 

- The world is in a sad place right now, and there's an argument that this might taint Chromatica for some of us. 

- Although not important to our enjoyment of the album, it's commercial performance could be harmed by the virus. But this is relative, and could go either way. 

The argument to not delay: 

- Delaying is risky business because no one knows when the virus will pass. Delay now, sure, but release when? It's very unpredictable. 

- The era has started. We've had the lead and its MV, and it would be off to drop the corresponding album many months later in the fall or winter.

- The album could leak if it is delayed. We know hackers have access to Gaga's files. 

- Gaga has 'promised' us new music, and it would be a very 'off brand' for her to cancel an album about 'dancing through pain' when the world needs it most. 

To summarise... 

To delay: 'we want an ERA'  

To not delay: 'we want the MUSIC'  

GGD, have your say...

[Snorlax 6,145]

We can have a little chromatica 

[Woohoo 6,534]

leak act 2 now and delay hoematica 

[LOVEDRUG 10,772]

To delay an album with the message that Chromatica has purely for financial gain would be selling out and inauthentic. Even if it wasn't Gaga's choice but the label instead, 'Lady Gaga' is a brand and to be delaying it would be inauthentic for that 'brand'.

Personally, I'd say as somebody who's had their entire exam season that I've been studying for for the past three years cancelled, being isolated in my house and has very little hope, Chromatica has been one of the few things I've had to look forward to, and I know many others feel the same. It would be really really disheartening for the album to be delayed.

[Lucas 27,263]

If she doesn't delay the album she can still put out music videos and do promo later. Also it would be a great opportunity to looks at which songs get the most streams/sales to decide on future singles and promo performances after the epidemy will be gone

[StuckInMyMind 5,930]

The argument to delay: 

- It's highly likely that the April 10th release date will refer only to digital copies. No physicals will be available on the 10th. 
At some point we will receive physical copies and most people download music anyways so sales won’t be too different

- We will receive little to no promo for this album. No interviews, no looks, no full 'era' that we have all craved for so long. 
With social media these days, you’re more likely to have a stronger campaign online and interviews can still be done via telephone calls and podcasts

- The world is in a sad place right now, and there's an argument that this might taint Chromatica for some of us. 
People need something to lift their spirits and I think some brand new fresh pop music will do that and give people something to be excited about 

- Although not important to our enjoyment of the album, it's commercial performance could be harmed by the virus. But this is relative, and could go either way.

As stated previously, with social media and digital downloads peaking, the commercial performance will only be harmed a fraction if at all 

[MessyTop 14,389]

Gives us ARTPOP Act 2 instead 

[xoxo Craig 55,649]

No, its coming 10th April

[Monster7 5,697]

10th april

Or even 3rd april now that Dua moved the date for FN

Delaying makes no sense cause from 10th april to may the situation will be worse and if you want a 'well executed' era with performances and everything as usual Chromatica should be postponed to July

[Glamourpuss 29,062]

I think delay because we won't get to experience the whole Earth is cancelled aspect and we won't get to really know the world of Chromatica and it's tribes. This will be an era we look back on and wonder about all the different possibilities in the same way we look back on the ARTPOP era and say she had great ideas and they weren't executed properly, because we know it could have been so much better. 

I know that music would help to cheer us up right now but I think she should release something from her stockpile to satisfy us in the meantime. 

If it comes then great, that's her choice and I'm sure I'll love it but I hope this fanbase doesn't drag it because there's no visuals to go with it. I'm assuming the music would have relied heavily on the visuals to bring it to life. That's the impression I got with Stupid Love. 

[Ashley 9,569]

Won’t there be physical copies available on Amazon?

[Floppy 7,951]

There's nothing to settle. No

Anyone who thinks it should be should realize the era is already ruined and Miss Rona isn't leaving anytime soon. Let go of all your fantasies about iconic promo because it's not happening. 

 

Stream ha April 10th  

or Illegally if it leaks early.

[OMonster 14,720]

6 minutes ago, Glamourpuss said:

I think delay because we won't get to experience the whole Earth is cancelled aspect and we won't get to really know the world of Chromatica and it's tribes. This will be an era we look back on and wonder about all the different possibilities in the same way we look back on the ARTPOP era and say she had great ideas and they weren't executed properly, because we know it could have been so much better.

I completely agree. 

The Chromatica concept exists to critique the world and to provide a commentary on the things we don't like about society, politics and life. 

Now, during this virus, that kind of commentary would not be welcome. 

Also, you're right in that the era will not be fully executed. The Haus will have planned endless looks, for example, that we'll never see.  This era, if it goes ahead (which I think it will),  will really not be an era at all. It will be a playlist of new Gaga music. 

And that's fine, brilliant even - but it's not what a lot of us 'want' from a Gaga era. It's about an experience, not just listening to some songs.

[PhantomOfTheDance 13,795]

[LaLa 19,703]

I can’t decide, I go back and forth over what I think would be best. Both arguments in the op make complete sense to me. 

In the end I guess we just have to trust and hope that Interscope and UMG are giving the decision the careful consideration it deserves, and that it’s something Gaga is okay with.