Hifidelics isn’t just about releasing cool records. From the day of it’s first conception we have strived to develop an experience between artists and music fans, as well. Music consumption isn’t just about products anymore, but increasingly about relationships and personal experience. Artists on Hifidelics are strongly encouraged to keep their project ‘Journal’ regularly updated with a behind-the-scenes style content; showing the creative process or even just day-to-day operations of the band.
I was actually scouring the web for a particular video when I came across this one. The video clocks in at just under six minutes and it shows how they silk-screened (1000) album covers for an upcoming release. I found it a great example of how artists could document some great behind-the-scenes footage. Perhaps the video is a bit more professional than what some artists are able to produce, but it’s just an idea I thought I would share with you.
As a music consuming public, and as musicians, I think we’ve been waiting long enough for digital music to deliver on all the hype surrounding it for the past decade. From a business standpoint, it has been a complete failure so far. Understandably, music fans care little about the business end of the industry, but the fact remains that artists and/or songwriters need to be compensated in order to keep producing the music we all love so much. Unfortunately, that is not happening.
I wish I could say music fans were more excited about digital music. I recently read (sorry, no link) that 74% of all purchased music albums are CDs! We all know CDs are selling so fast that record stores across the world are forced to close their doors for good. It seems the only people who are on-board with digital music are the ones building their online business using music and when we want to fill our iPods. Don’t get me wrong, digital music is a necessity these days, but it killed the thrill of getting our hands on our favorite artist’s latest album. I don’t know if you have ever had to wait for a physical album to be released, but it can be quite exciting to finally acquire it. Especially if you really love the artist and/or it’s a rare, hard-to-find edition. If you have never experienced that, you are definitely missing out. It’s much different than clicking the ‘download’ button.
Most of the talk surrounding the new music industry is all the cool things the latest web site or application can do. While I love the wow factor as much as the next guy, I say it’s time for the industry to stop experimenting with other people’s music and start focusing on what we know works. Streaming music and mp3’s are obviously not the answer, only a small and convenient addition to the overall experience. It’s no longer a full representation of the artist, but a stripped-down and cheapened version that is rarely special.
Hifidelics intends to change that. Perhaps the general population will care little and stick with digital as their preferred music format. However we believe what is needed is music in a high-quality physical format with artistic packaging designed by the musicians themselves, and a little help from their fans. Of course a cool, physical product is still not enough in the information age. Music fans need to feel a personal connection to cut through the chatter. By combining our crowdsourcing method and regular multimedia journal updates from the artist(s), we plan to fill that void and bring artists and fans together to complete and release a record worth talking about. If the project is a successful one, artists are actually paid a majority of profits. Not only do music fans acquire a rare, beautiful release they can hold in their hands, they are also actually helping support the artist at no risk. This is a win-win for everyone involved. We only hope that you are seeing how great this is as much as we are!
Yes, it’s true! We are finally ready to start accepting musicians and any new users. The projets you see posted now are only sample projects so you can get an idea what everything does and what can be done with your own profile and/or project.
Over on our corporate blog (Plugola Inc.) I recently published a post giving you a more detailed rundown that what you will currently find here, on what we are and how the site operates. Please check it out as we get all the FAQs and How-Tos up on the site.
If you’re interested in adding your own project, it’s best you contact us first, as we will help you get set-up and walk you thru the process: hifidelics@gamil.com
If you have any questions and/or concerns of any kind, please do not hesitate to contact us.
I’ve used this creative record sleeve with a built-in record player as an example in the past. Not very practical for listening, but very cool concept nonetheless. Oddly enough, this record is not for any band, but part of a clever re-branding campaign for an audio/voice-over firm.
What you may find even more interesting is that there is an original patent on an early version of this player from 1953. Later, in the mid-60’s, a Christian missionary group developed this current version. Not for music though, but for religious indoctrination. You can learn more on the boxvox blog; schematics and everything!
My and Ethan’s work station for the Rails Rumble…designing & laying-out the site. The lone keyboard was from both my 4 year old & 2 y.o. nephews “helping”.
This is a picture of myself, with my rumble partner Wes. We were frantically trying to cram stuff in, 20 minutes before the end of the contest. I had my macbook cam snap a picture every minute during the weekend.
