Hifidelics is a new way to create and release creative, limited edition music albums in vinyl format. A good release concept, communicated well, can spread fast and wide.

Hifidelics utilizes an all-or-nothing funding method where projects/releases must be fully-funded or the release isn't produced and no money changes hands.

Every Hifidelics project/release must reach it's minimum financial goal before its time expires or the release isn't produced and no money changes hands. Each project has it's own minimum goal; a set number of pre-orders. This number is determined by production costs of individual projects.

Why 'all-or-nothing'?

1. We feel that by only requiring the minimal amount of financial support, along with the voting, not only does it give lesser known artists a chance to release a noteworthy album, but with much less risk for music fans..

2. It allows musicians to test concepts without risk. If an artist is unable to garner enough support for their project/release concept, none of the parties involed are risking any loss. This is huge!

3. It motivates. If fans want to see a project come to life, they're going to spread the word.

Besides great music...

ORIGINALITY! Each project/album will be completely unique and designed by the artist(s). Not only that, but fans have the option to give their opinion and feedback for any changes they would like to see.

STORIES! Hifidelics projects are efforts by real people to realease a record they truly love, for fun or as a stepping stone in their career, or at least releasing something of note. These stories unfold through journal posts, pics, and videos as artists bring their special releases to life.

SCARCITY! Every Hifidelics project is limited to only (500) copies and will never be available again, at least in this format.

Absolutely not. Musicians/labels keep 100% ownership of their work. However, to keep the release special, it will not be permitted for an artist/label (or even Hifidelics) to release the album in it's same format and style again.

Hifidelics is focused on creative vinyl releases. If a band or musician has the desire to release a limited-edition, collectors album that people will be talking about, Hifidelics is the right place. It doesn't matter at what stage your career is at. If you believe you can garner the support from your fans for this type of release, you believe your music is fresh and exciting, you can provide a behind-the-scenes journal and your genre loosely falls within; Rock, HipHop or Electronic -- Please register (it's free) or shoot us an email and we can help you get started: hifidelics@gmail.com

The word ?project? is just as important as ?creative? in defining what works on Hifidleics. A project is something finite with a clear beginning and end. Someone can be held accountable to the framework of a project ? a project was either completed or it wasn?t ? and there are definable expectations that everyone can agree to. This is imperative for every Hifidelics project/release.

We know there are other expenses to releasing a record, however Hifidelics is not a place for soliciting funds for recording, merchandise, touring, or general business expenses. Learn more about our project guidelines.

Yes, but if you have a contract with your label you should discuss this with them first. Hifidelics can also work as a partner with your label for this release.

Yes! The terms are the same as it is for artists, however we will incorporate your branding into the packaing. Please contact us to discuss further: hifidelics@gmail.com

A strict total of only (500) units will be manufactured, but only (450) are to be sold on Hifidelics.com. Part of an artists compensation is to receive (25) free copies, the other (25) is used by Hifidelics for reviews and promotion.

From your dashboard, click on 'Add My Project". Complete all the details to your project or release concept. The more you include the better the response will be from your fans. A representative will review your project, perhaps contact you with questions, then set your project into voting mode. Here is the basic process an artist goes through from concept to producing and releasing an album through Hifidelics:

• Step One - Artist presents their release concept/project with an introduction video, copy and photos.
• Step Two - Artist recruits and encourages their fans to vote on new release project. A certain number of votes will determine interest level.
• Step Three - Once artists' votes nears the amount needed, a representative will begin pricing materials and manufacturing costs to produce (500) units. These costs will ultimately determine the per unit pricing. There is no flat pricing on Hifidelics. It's strictly on a per release/project basis.
• Step Four - Now artists are in 'pre-production' mode. Once the minimum pre-order goal is reached, production will begin. Pre-order pricing remains in place for fans and supporters until album is complete. This is all-or-nothing funding, meaning if a release doesn't meet the minimum order requirement (or its funding goals), it will not be released.
• Step Five - Once manufacturing and production is complete, available albums (any remaining that weren't pre-ordered) will raise in price slightly. All pre-orders will begin to ship out.

You can support your favorite artist and their release project on two levels. Before any money becomes involved, artists are in voting mode. You can show support for any project in it's beginning stages simply by voting. If an artists' project receives enough votes, they will go into pre-order mode. Here music fans will have the opportunity support any project/release by pre-ordering. Once an artist has enough pre-orders, we will begin production.

If the project you?re supporting is successfully funded, your card will be charged when the project reaches its funding deadline. If the project does not reach its funding goal, your card is never charged.

No. If funding fails, all pre-orders are canceled and no money exchanges hands.

At this time, you do not. It's not that we're keeping it a secret from you. We just haven't added that feature yet. It IS coming soon.

Hifidelics chose to use Paypal because of it's simplicity and widely trusted service. We do have plans to add a direct credit card option in the future.

Sorry, Hifidelics only supports credit card payments through PayPal.

By pre-ordering, you are committing to supporting that artist?s project; canceling that commitment is discouraged.

Yes. Absolutely!

Yes. Every project has a funding goal (a dollar amount) and a time limit (30 days) set by admin after going through manufacturing and production costs. When the deadline is reached, there are either of two results:

1. Funding Successful: If a project has met or surpassed its funding goal, all supporters' credit cards are instantly charged. Production and manufacturing begin immediately. Once complete, album price will go up to full price and all pre-orders will begin to ship.

2. Funding Unsuccessful: If a project has NOT met its funding goal, all pre-orders are canceled. That's it.

No. Hifidelics' funding model works a bit differently than what you may be accustomed to. We do not use a rewards system as part of it's process. Although artists have the freedom/option to offer an incentive for early supporters.

No. All funds are handled by Hifidelics. If a project is successful, Hifidelics will pay artist/label 60% of profits once copies are sold out. We will those transfer funds however you feel most comfortable.

No. Once a project is voted into pre-order mode; all materials, manufacturing and production will be priced. Hifidelics will then set the per unit price and determine the minimum pre-orders required to deem a project successful and begin production.

No. Once a project launches, the end date cannot be changed. For 'funding/pre-production' round every project has (30) days to reach it's minimum goal.

Yes, you have free reign to edit your project at will, however you may not change project description after production begins, should your project reach it's fiunding goal. After the minimum funding goal has been reached, manufacturing and production will begin. Obviously, by that time, changes can not be made.

No. Every project is preserved as it ended. Artists are strongly encouraged to use their journal to add new information to the project's development.

Not once it has been launched to the public. Projects remain accessible on Hifidelics, even if funding fails or funding is canceled. Transparency is important.

Yes. A project creator has the option to cancel funding. When funding is canceled, all pledges are immediately voided. Project creators and backers can continue to post on the project, however.

Yes. You can always try again. You may want to tweek your presentation or attempt a new marketing campaign, but it can be essentially identical if you choose.

Being open and sharing ideas is an essential part of Hifidelics. This platform is collaborative by nature, and is a powerful community-building tool for artists. If you are unwilling to share information about your project with your fans and potential supporters then Hifidelics may not be the platform for your project.

No. Since Hifidelics handles all funds we have the ability to be flexible with artists both in and outside the U.S.

Since Hifidelics is so new we're still building tips and tactics to help you with your campaign. We will be posting regular tips in our blog for Hifidelics artists specifically, but if you would like to hear some actual stories and experinces from past 'crowdfunders' I began a blog series on MicControl.com

We can begin production sooner and get that release out to the fans!.

Yes.

No. You can see our most funded projects in the Hall of Fame.

Creators should absolutely inform backers of changes to a project in process. If a change needs to be communicated, the project description may need editing, and creators should also post a project update or send a group message to their backers.

Yes. Only one person can create the project, but once created you can visit band member profiles and click on "Add to Project" at the top of their profile. There names will be listed under the 'Biography' tab.

There are no fees to use Hifidelics and run a camapaign. If a project/release is successful artists or labels will receive 60% of all sales after production costs are covered, but before company costs.

No, starting a project is free.

At this time, yes. However you will find that a video makes a big difference from photos.

You can, but your project page will not be as nearly pleasing to the eye.

Videos make projects infinitely more compelling, and you don?t have to be a video expert to make a good one. Simply be personal and talk about your project. Put yourself in front of the camera for at least a moment so that people know who you are; making that personal connection is key. Show people examples of your work and use any fun visuals you can think of. We listed a few online destinations where you can even edit your video online, HERE.

No matter how bare-bones or creative you want to get, don't forget the basics:

1. Introduce yourself

2. Tell your story

3. Ask for people's support (i.e., their money...)

4. Tell people what they'll get for their money (i.e., your album concept)

5. Say thank you!

6. For additional info, Mashable has some tips.

There are a million different ways to tell your story. Have fun with it! You can spend days shooting and editing, or you can just knock one out with a couple friends on a Saturday. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be you.

On Windows, use WMV format. On Mac, use H.264. In both cases, the key variable is the ?bit rate,? so look for that box. If it?s measured in kilobits per second (kbps), try 1500 to start. If it?s measured in megabits per second (Mbps), try 1.5. If the file is too big: Make that number smaller. If the quality seems bad: Make it bigger.

No, however it's highly recommended you upload at least some variation of your songs. You have will have some time to polish them before release.

MP3 only at this time.

No. The focus on Hifidelics is really the experience associated with a physical product, or in this case, musical art. There are plenty of places you can make your music avialable for download.

Images must be 10MB or less, and one of the following file types: JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP

Each project has one primary image that will represent the band/project and it can bee seen on the project's 'Biography' page. Any image you add to your 'Journal' will also display on the 'Presentation' page.

You can upload images and audio on your project managment page. Videos should be uplaoded to YouTube or Vimeo. Simply adding the video number to your project management page will display it on your project and/or journal pages.

No, you need to upload an image file to launch. But if you like your
video's main image, you can try taking a screenshot of it and uploading
that.

Yes. You will notice a spot where you can add the video numbers for blog/journal posts and project pages. YouTube and/or Vimeo videos will be displayed directly on the site.

No, but you can replace it! Before you launch or while your project is live, just re-upload a new image over the one you have.

Yes, and you can upload a new one, as long as your project hasn't ended yet.

"Journal" is what we call each project's blog. We felt "Journal" is more personal and possesses an aura of higher quality. The goal here is to communicate with and create an experience for your supporters to follow along with project, and ultimately, the final product. Artists can regularly update their supporters with the project/album release's progress, behind-the-scenes footage and photos, stories behind the album's songs - you name it. A fan's personal connection to your album can make it so much more special.

Yes. Besides just helping fund such a special release, the goal of Hifidelics is to help artists create an experience for their fans and supporters. Videos and photos chronicaling your campaign and release really adds a personal touch. This is an integral part of connecting with fans. -- Like we're commiting to your project, we expect the same commitment from you..

You can post updates with video, images and, of course, copy ? and you should...regularly!

We're currently working on this notification system..

Make sure you?re logged in and from your 'Dashboard' you will see 'Edit My Profile' towards the top of the page.

You can request a password reset at the bottom of the sign in page.

Please contact us and we will get you taken care of. Warning - once deleted we will not be able to rocver it.

Not yet, but it IS coming soon.

Not yet, but it IS coming soon along with another ways to follow your favorites.

You can find Hifidelics on Twitter, Facebook our view our Blog. Follow us!

There's a "Contact" link at the bottom of pages, or you can contact us now: hifidelics@gmail.com.

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