mainoslevyissä

Mainoslevyissä, often translated as "advertising discs" or "promotional records," are vinyl records or other physical media distributed for promotional purposes rather than for general sale. These discs typically contain music or spoken word content intended to introduce an artist, album, or product to a wider audience. They were particularly common during the golden age of vinyl, serving as a key marketing tool for record labels.

The content of a mainoslevy could vary. It might feature a single from an upcoming album, a selection of tracks from an established artist, or even exclusive material not released elsewhere. Sometimes, these discs included spoken introductions or messages from the artist or label. Their primary function was to generate interest and encourage consumers to purchase the full product.

Mainoslevyissä were often given away at concerts, sent to radio stations for airplay consideration, or distributed to music reviewers and journalists. While some were pressed in limited quantities and are now highly sought after by collectors, others were produced in larger runs. The rarity and condition of a specific mainoslevy can significantly impact its value in the collector's market. The transition to digital music has led to a decline in the production of physical promotional media, but the concept of promotional giveaways continues in digital formats.