Field Recording Store

If you listen, they are everywhere. Jamming in alleyways. Performing in remote village ceremonies. They’re the singers at a distant festival. Drummers beating a trance deep in the bush. They are the obscure, producing rhythms few beyond the immediate surroundings will have opportunity to hear. Most often, these artists are in poorer nations, without access to recording studios. Having the honor to experience countless amazing performances, a simple idea naturally evolved: Create high quality recordings for musicians in developing countries who otherwise could not afford to produce an album — and do it all for free. The structure had to be uncomplicated and transparent, focusing as much benefit as possible to the musician: Give the artists a copy of the masters audio files. Let the musicians do as they wish with their music recordings to support their families, their life, their art. Then in a simple but concise agreement — translated in their local language — allow the music to be distributed globally through the Field Recording Store, returning 50 percent of profits back to the artists. Five years have passed since this idea first took root, and I’m pleased to share some wonderful music while supporting artists who otherwise would never be heard ~ John Stanmeyer