If you want to get up close and personal with Donald Glover’s music alter ego Childish Gambino, you should think about getting some vinyl. Gambino is selling a limited edition vinyl package for his latest album Awaken, My Love! that will include a virtual reality headset where you can watch an exclusive performance.
The VR experience included in the limited edition package is Gambino’s live performances at his Pharos event he held at Joshua Tree, California in September. Concertgoers had to discard their cellphones before entering the event, so there is scant footage of the performance. The VR package of the album will come with a Google Cardboard headset where you can view the content.
To watch Gambino belt out vocals while covered in glow-in-the-dark paint, you need to download the Pharos Earth app for either Android or iOS. Once you open the app, the event will begin shortly, at which time you should place your phone in the accompanying headset to experience it in VR. If you only have your phone, you can still experience the event in 360 degrees by simply spinning around with your phone in your hand.
The VR limited edition vinyl costs $60 but do not expect to get your hands on it for that price. At press time, the entire inventory of the limited edition vinyl package has sold out at the online store from the album’s official website. But, if all you want is the VR experience you only need to purchase a $15 Google Cardboard headset and download the free app.
Gambino’s Awaken, My Love!‘s popularity has extended far beyond its December release. The album’s lead single Redbone was prominently featured in Jordan Peele’s blockbuster horror flick Get Out in January. The song was also remade into a soulful ode to a lover by CeeLo Green recently.