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Hifidelics Prepares for Private Launch

Filed under musicians, site news, updates

UPDATE – April 14th: After a slight delay we are back on track and should be launching (beta) within the next week or two. So I wanted to officially reinstate this announcement. Please have a look and feel free to contact us with any questions!  ~ Erik

It’s getting closer to the day we launch Hifidelics for a private beta launch; meaning the site will be invite only for a time period. What is HIFIDELICS exactly?

HIFIDELICS is a record store built on top of a crowd-sourcing platform designed to bring the world the freshest music in it’s most creative form. For the first time ever music fans can participate in and experience the release of the ultimate collector’s album from some of their favorite artists.

This means that artists can present their vinyl/physical release concept (vinyl only…for now) with video and photos. In turn, music fans can make suggestions and vote for what they would like in the release. This way artists can get honest feedback for an album their fans really want. Additionally, artists will keep their fans and supports updated on the process with photos, videos and blog posts. Members will also have the opportunity to pre-order this limited edition release. Once a predetermined financial goal has been met, or a certain number of units are pre-ordered, production of the album will begin.

Where we differ from other similar platforms is that, HIFIDELICS is solely focused on original, physical music releases designed by both the artists and their fans; resulting in a beautiful release that fans have a vested interest in.

What we mean by ‘similar platforms’ is that, yes, we do utilize what is best know as, ‘crowd-funding’; where funds are raised by supporters of the project before production. However, HIFIDELICS’ service is to provide a high-quality product. These releases will not be your typical record album. Here, artists can really let their creativity shine, not only through their music, but in the album’s presentation; or it’s packaging, if you will. Below I posted a few photo links to some examples of what we are aiming for:

Ultimately, the goal of HIFIDELICS is to marry the works of talented musicians and visual artists, along with the highest quality physical materials available, and the passion of dedicated music fans across the world.

This is where you come in. We are looking for bands/musicians with an upcoming release in mind, as well as, passionate music fans to be the first to test the waters. This will not make your participation any less important. There just may be a stumble or two along the way. Plus, we need to know what works for you and what does not. So if you’re passionate about music and records and willing to give HIFIDELICS an honest try (and hopefully provide us with some feedback) we will send you an invite to our private beta testing. Please visit the HIFIDELICS web site and enter the requested info to be put on our invite list. As soon as we are ready for you, we will send you a special invite code.

Most importantly, we want to work with musicians who have an idea and are planning a release. In theory, any artist can join, however there are a few things artists should know:

• All music must loosely fall into one of these three genres: Rock, Hiphop and Electronic.
• We’re not looking for good music, we’re looking for greatness; preferably something along the lines of groundbreaking.
• Artists must be in, at the very least, the planning stages of a new release, and have a concept in mind. We will have a professional designer assist you.
• Must have songs prepared.  Artists are responsible for their own recordings (it’s not part of the funding).
• Having a decent size following and/or mailing list will be very helpful. Keep in mind, each release must reach a financial goal before it goes into production.
• Artists must be regularly active online (social sites, forums, etc.)
• All releases will be in the quantity of 500 units, never to be released in this format again. Of course the music belongs to the artist, but to keep the album special it cannot be released in this manner again.
• Artists must be willing to keep their project page/journal updated with the process; including photos and videos. We’re committing to these projects and we expect the same type of commitment from artists.
• Yes, artists are paid for all this. There is a 60/40 split for album sales. Artists receive 60% of profits and (25) free copies of their album (for family, friends, etc.) after production costs, but before operation and labor costs. In other words, once this album’s production and manufacturing costs are covered the artist is paid 60% of everything after that. The remaining 40% of sales goes to Hifidelics to cover a number of additional operation fees (ie: professional album design, promotion, processing fees, etc.)

If this is you, or you know of an artist who would be perfect for this, we want to hear from you. Please send us an email and include your basic concept and a link to your site, and we can take it from there. Labels are welcome, as well. Please send to: hifidelics@gmail.com Please feel free to leave any questions in the comments, or send us an email.

Here are a couple more informative posts if you’re interested in learning more:
Hifidelics for Musicians and Labels
How to Prepare for Hifidelics