Relationship

By partnering with Archeology, the Artist(s) will receive: continuing distribution and promotion campaigns; the support and expertise of an outside experienced voice; the digital and cultural connections made by distributing on a label with other bands and related fans; and allow the artist to have satisfying feeling that their music is being shared on to the world… And possibly making some money doing so.

The agreement between Archeology and the Artist(s) will be for a set period of time for specific tracks/albums. Either Artist or Archeology may cancel the agreement with three months written notice at any time, at which point all work done by Archeology for the artist will be removed from all distribution channels.

Please note: While Archeology will endeavour for successful and wide distribution of the artists’ work, this is not designed to “make anybody rich“ but rather to get your diligently-made music in the ears and more fans and produce a moderate revenue stream. Think music for beer money, rather than music sitting in a shoebox going nowhere.

Archeology records will:

Distribute artist music across most all applicable digital channels including Spotify, iTunes, Google, Pandora, Tidal… etc.

Create and/or enhance and/or manage social media campaigns for the artists in collaboration with the artist

Provide education and assistance for community building to build audience including promotions, publicity and media nurturing strategies, and other related tactics

Transparently compensate artist (likely quarterly) for split of all royalties earn from all distribution channels

And possibly:

Collaborate with artists to produce physical artifacts for sale in other forms including vinyl, cassette, cd… And related merchandising items – posters, picks, pics, set lists…

Seek synch licensing arrangements for songs to be used in TV/movies/commercials as deemed appropriate with desires of artist

Artist will:

Provide Archeology with high-quality recordings, cover art, band photos, candid photos, lyrics, publishing credits, and any other material deemed necessary by Archeology for accurately listing, distributing and compensating artist

Access to manage, or permission to create, various social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud etc

Provide permission for Archeology to distribute music exclusively on digital channels for designated period

Provide a single point of contact for payment of royalties, decisions about art, release dates as applicable, and any other matters which arise from this relationship

Be responsible for distributing royalty payments with in the band/artist as appropriate for the band relationship. Archeology will make one payment to the band, and not divide up between members, songwriters, contributors etc.

Provide Archeology with signed releases to act on behalf with any managers, consultants or adviser and make label aware of any such relationships in advance.

Gist

Archeology Records is a project  to distribute and promote underknown/grassroots music to allow existing audiences to enjoy more easily, and find new audiences.

Importantly, Archeology Records wants artist to retain ownership of masters, and not be obligated to record more, release less and overall enjoy complete artistic freedom.

Background

Many bands and artists record songs and/or albums and may distribute locally on a small scale but overall these recordings are under-distributed and perhaps under-listened and appreciated. Sadly, these projects get abandoned to shoeboxes in attics and garages as media formats changes, priorities change.

However, with some simple social community building tactics and digital distribution – combined with analog artifacts merchandising – artists can resurrect these treasures to share with audience, getting creations into ears… and possibly connect with fans and spread music while making some money.

Expectation is that Artist will take active part of promotion and cross-promotion with label-mates using communications and resources provided by Archeology. 

Let’s make a project!