HIFIDELICS utilizes crowdsourcing/fan-funding to support each one of it's releases as part of the experience and process. All funding is strictly applied to the materials, manufacturing, design, promotion and distribution of each release. It is not applied to studio recording time, touring or additional merchandise. Artists earn 60% of all profits.

What We're Looking for in an Artist

Yes, there is a certain 'something' we are looking for from artists and the music they release. That 'something' is pretty tough to describe, but I believe it real boils-down to whether or not an your fans would interested in cool, limited-edition vinyl release. With that in mind, this is what we're looking for in artists:

• Of course, artists must be willing to fully participate. This includes, but not limited to, promotion and behind-the-scenes journal updates.
• All music must loosely fall into one of three genres: Rock, Hiphop and Electronic.
• We?re not looking for just good music; we?re looking for something unique, daring and great.
• 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 chosen songs prepared. Artists are responsible for their own recordings (it?s not part of the funding).
• An online presence & self-promotion is a must.

*NOTE: One of our blog posts shows some visual concepts to get the ideas flowing. *ABOUT DESIGNERS: Professional designer(s) are more-or-less in place to cross your 'T's" and to dot your "I's" and to bring your own design/concept up to professional standards. They are NOT in place to design the packaging for you. This is where your supporters can help you, and providing our designer(s) with a rough concept is fine.

What Make Us Different?

Hifidelics utilizes crowdsourcing/funding as part of the process and experience. So far the million dollar question has been, what makes us different from other similar platforms? There are many differences in flow, function and features; but the important ones are these:

• A Different Goal - Although there will be funding goals for each release, our aim isn't so much to help artists raise funds, but to create and provide a high-quality product of value from the artist.
• Creating an Experience - Not only is our focus on creative, physical(vinyl) music releases, but to help artists create an experience for their fans. Imagine being able to follow along with your favorite artist as he/she creates their album with video updates, photo shoots, fresh news and having a voice in the decision-making about the release. Plus, studies and trends have shown that bands (or brands) that engage and connect with their audience on a regular basis are far more successful in this digital economy. Hifidelics will supply the tools for artists to create this experience for their fans, and artists will be expected to provide the experience.
• No Dirty Work - We want artists to focus on communication and the creative side of their release. So we will handle the business side of the release, this includes but not limited to: manufacturing, pricing, production, distribution, shipping, professional design, etc.

What is the Process?

So what does it take for an artist to go from idea to funding to production? Well, first you should know we're only striving for the very best music with the most interesting packaging concepts. To help ensure this, we have put a voting algorithm in place that release projects must go through before the funding (or 'pre-production') period.

• Step One - Artist adds their project/release concept with an introduction video and copy.
• Step Two - Artist recruits and encourages their fans to vote on new release project. A predetermined amount of votes must be met to establish 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.

* NOTE: All releases will be limited to only (500) copies. From those, (450) copies will be made available through the site. (25) free copies will be given to the artist and the remaining (25) will be used by Hifidelics for promotions and reviews.

Terms in a Nutshell

All the legal stuff gets a bit more in-depth, but here are a few important terms that artists and labels should know:

• Payment - There is a 60/40 split for album sales. Artists receive 60% of profits and (25) free copies of their album after production costs, but before operation and labor costs. In other words, once an 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.)
• Label Partnerships - We are also very open to record label partnerships on releases. Although not much would change, as far as, the process and payment goes; Hifidelics can be very useful in that limited, collectors edition of an album (CD/Digital) already planned for release. It can also be useful in gaining traction on a label's main release by using our service first. Of course any partnership will also include label's branding, etc.
• Music Ownership - The artist/label will retain all their legal ownership rights for the music. However, in order to keep the release special, the format & packaging used through Hifidelics shall not be reproduced (by the artist, label or even 'Hifidelics').

Of course with all things new, there is some wiggle room and we're always open to suggestions and constructive criticism. So if you notice something that you feel disqualifies you from using the service, please let us know and we can try to work with you. It's in our best interest that your campaign and release is a successful one.