What the archive is for
Peoria Sound Archive keeps the music of Peoria, Illinois, and the stories of the people who make it. We record it as it really sounds, preserve it for the public, and share it freely.
The work
We record. Musicians who live in greater Peoria apply for free sessions in our studio, chosen by a community panel.
We keep the story. Every session includes an interview, photographs and notes.
We preserve and share. Anyone can hear the collection, free, and our archive partner keeps a copy.
We keep up. When a Peoria musician puts out a record, wins an award or marks fifty years in a choir, we add it to the record and say congratulations in public.
Once a year, we press a record. The compilation is a snapshot of greater Peoria’s music, and its sales help pay for the next year of sessions. The artists on it share in what it earns.
Now and then, we teach, through open sessions, apprentices, listening events and written histories.
What we are
A community music archive and documentation center with a recording program.
What we’re not
- A record label. Nobody gets signed, and we don’t own your music.
- A studio for hire. We don’t sell studio time or take commercial work.
- Your manager, booker or publicist.
- A way to record ourselves. Founders and families are never recorded.
How we record
In the room
- 01
We record the band that walks in the door.
- 02
We are engineers, not producers.
- 03
You decide what’s a mistake. Imperfections stay unless you want them gone.
- 04
Performances over assembly. Edits and overdubs only when you ask.
- 05
Before you come in, you’ll know the details. Time, cost, and who paid.
After the session
- 06
You hear it first, and you sign off.
- 07
Your stems come home. Every one, within 30 days.
- 08
We write down the story too. You review it first.
- 09
Everything goes in the collection.
Between us
- 10
No one here is paid a cut of your music. Staff get fixed pay.
- 11
Your name goes first.
- 12
We own our mistakes.