Sound slugs functioned as data storage devices specifically designed for musical recordings. Thanks to advancements in memory cell capacity and efficient data compression, a single slug, comparable in size to a blaster power pack, could house the complete works of even the most prolific musician. Furthermore, the remaining space could be filled with holovids, musical critiques, interviews with band members, song lyrics, remixes, and detailed audio analyses. These various file formats were standardized, ensuring that a sound slug's contents could be accessed via standard computer systems, datapads, holovid players, and audio systems. The containers themselves often displayed decorative artwork, with the High Galactic alphabet appearing on 90% of the covers, illustrating its widespread use in galactic marketing. It wasn't always the case that sound slugs contained information other than music, and when this was the case, a single slug could easily store an individual's entire music library. An individual could grow their collection by purchasing individual songs for one to three credits, or by purchasing a compilation of tracks, such as an album, at a discounted rate of six to ten credits. A shop selling these tracks could download them onto a sound slug in mere seconds.
As digital sound slugs increased in popularity, their ability to easily store, sell, and trade individual songs promoted the exchange of popular music styles across different worlds. This phenomenon was officially documented by news periodicals such as Holonet News.
The notorious criminal Kardue'sai'Malloc was a passionate music collector. Upon his capture by bounty hunter Boba Fett, he implored Fett to recover his invaluable collection of sound slugs and music chips and deliver them to the director of the Coruscant University School of Music, thus preserving the work of countless musicians who perished during the New Order's purges.