Frequently asked questions
If you have a question not mentioned here please email us with the subject “Question for Archive” and we will gladly answer.
The Minnesota Music Archive Project aims to create an archive of all available independent and small commercial recordings to preserve them for the future. Our focus is on unsigned bands and those from minor (or discontinued) record labels. While we would accept recordings from major Minnesota artists (Prince, The Replacements, Bob Dylan, etc.), we are less concerned with them since their legacies are already assured.
The Minnesota Music Archive Project was founded by the Diverse Emerging Music Organization (DEMO), a Minnesota 501c3 non-profit organization, in response to a generous donation from the Paul and Julie Lindner Foundation. DEMO initiated this project in support of our Mission – “Preserving and Promoting Minnesota’s Independent Music Legacy.” DEMO depends on donor support and directs all profits related to the works in the archive to the artists or rights holders.
Initially, all submissions will be added to the Minnesota Music Archive’s offline repository for archival purposes. Artists and labels will choose to make their contributions available to the public free of charge or for a fee. We are working on future inclusion of the Archive within the major streaming services that provide for royalty accounting and payments.
The MMAP’s goal is to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs to add MN Artist’s music to streaming service while paying as much of the royalties generated by a work’s inclusion back to the artist or rights holder as possible. Our goals is that 100% of all royalties generated by a work’s inclusion in the Archive will be given directly to the artist or rights holder.
Any and all Minnesota based artists and labels are welcome and encouraged to submit recordings to which they hold the rights. Those interested in making physical submissions should contact us at info@demomn.org to arrange transfer. Online submissions coming very soon.
That’s great. We will still ensure that the release data is added to the database and attempt to procure a copy of any of their releases for inclusion in our nonpublic offline archive.
Not a problem. We will not be submitting anything to the services without permission from the rights. We are still interested in obtaining a copy for inclusion in our non-public offline archive.
All services charge a fee to do so. Our project aims to cover these fees for all releases included in the Archive while still maintaining your access to any royalties generated.
As you can expect, this is very complicated legally and operationally. We have engaged a world-class legal counsel specializing in artists’ rights to ensure that it’s done right. Additionally, the accounting and payment process needs to be rock solid. There is much to do, and while we do not have a specific date, we are working hard to get there.