Musician Tom Vek launches compact Sleevenote digital music player

Tom Vek first gained attention with his 2005 album We Have Sound and later releases, and in 2020 he began work on Sleevenote, a digital music player inspired by vinyl cover art and liner notes. Early versions were bulky, about the size of a 7-inch single, and sourcing components like square screens proved challenging. The revised device is more compact, priced at $349, and a small batch of Day One Editions is currently for sale.

Vek emphasizes that the player is intended to encourage digital music downloads, offering offline access while avoiding the nostalgia-driven revival of CD and cassette players. He also shared personal preferences, such as using a MacBook for creative work and his fascination with carport architecture. The project reflects his broader goal of creating indie tech products that could not exist in earlier eras.