Aphex Twin Drops 38 Previously Vinyl-Only Tracks in Surprise Digital Release

Aphex Twin has just surprised fans and listeners with the unannounced release of Music From The Merch Desk (2016-2023), an extensive 38-track compilation of previously vinylVinylThe analog record format, played on a turntable and prized for its warm sound, large artwork, and collectible appeal. After declining for decades, vinyl has enjoyed a revival among youngerGo to Vinyl Glossary-only releases now available for digital streaming. 

Released via Warp Records, Music From The Merch Desk (2016-2023) is packed with 2 hours and 26 minutes’ worth of material released intermittently over seven years. Access to the tracks were once limited to vinylVinylThe analog record format, played on a turntable and prized for its warm sound, large artwork, and collectible appeal. After declining for decades, vinyl has enjoyed a revival among youngerGo to Vinyl Glossary records sold at the merch tables during the musician’s live shows in Texas, London, Manchester, and Barcelona.

The compilation begins with ‘no stillson 6 cirk [Houston, TX 12.17.16]’ and ‘no stillson 6 cirk mix2 [Houston, TX 12.17.16]’, both dropped mysteriously at the Day For Night festivalFestivalA multi-act music event, often held over several days, where many artists perform across different stages. Festivals combine live music, food, art, and community, and they give audiences a chanceGo to Festival Glossary in Texas where Aphex Twin headlined in 2016. 

Preceding this compilation release, Aphex Twin also reissued his second album Selected Ambient Works Volume II, with an expanded edition, in time for its 30th anniversary last October. The 2023 EPEPShort for extended play, a release longer than a single but shorter than a full album, usually three to six songs. EPs let emerging artists introduce their sound without aGo to EP Glossary Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / In a Room7 F760 was his last official release of new and original music. Its opening track “Blackbox Life Recorder 21f” was nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Recording at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024. 

Richard D. James, the name behind Aphex Twin, has continued to make huge waves as a legendary electronic musician since his first album Selected Ambient Works 85–92 (1992). His last full-length album was the 2014 release Syro, which earned him a Grammy award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. While there’s no word yet of new releases in the works, Music From the Merch Desk (2016-2013) serves as an exciting drop that finally gives listeners a chance to hear these previously exclusive Aphex Twin tracks. You can listen to the Music From The Merch Desk (2016-2023) here.