Our Mission
At North 61 we understand and accept that the music industry has undergone drastic changes with the evolution of the internet, the use of personal computers and portable MP3 players, as well as the introduction of devices such as the iPhone. CD's are no longer the preferred method of storing our music, and as technology presents more options for music enthusiasts, so will the music industry be faced with more challenges as to how to evolve (or perish) along with these new technologies. We still prefer physical mediums such as CD's and vinyl as a more personal means of music ownership, but we also understand that it is no longer possible, nor practical to rely solely on the distribution of physical CD's. To do so is a potentially fatal mistake which will only insure the demise of an otherwise successful musical release.
The good news is that major labels are no longer necessary as a means for an artist to distribute their music to a worldwide audience. In fact, the independent artist has never before had so much power at their literal fingertips to get their music to the masses. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Youtube, and others like them allow for literally endless possibilities to promote an artist's music, tour schedules, and to build an audience of listeners from around the globe, who only ten years ago would have been nearly impossible to reach without the help of a major label. Online distribution sites and retailers such as CDbaby, Amazon and the like make it possible for the first time in history for an independent artist from the Midwestern United States to be heard by potential fans anywhere in the world with the click of a mouse. With this power comes an over-saturated market of independent artists-from garage band level hobbyists to serious professionals. Sorting through all of this new music all can be fun at best, and at the worst, an oftentimes agonizing chore.
North 61 was developed by independent artists for independent artists. It is our mission to bring to you the very best in independent blues, roots and experimental music, by utilizing to the fullest extent, all available modern means of promotion and distribution. By providing a virtual artist's "co-op" it is possible to benefit not only musical artists, but independent graphic designers, visual artists, photographers and film makers as well. It is our belief that the music industry has been run by too many non-artists for too long, and we think its time to return the power to create and dream AND make a living back to the artists-the real artists who have vision, passion, and real stories to tell. By creating a network of independent artists from multiple genres, everyone gets a chance to be part of a musical release that means something, and which they can take pride in, and hopefully grow their own business from as well. Simply put, we want to see artists not only get recognition for their work, but to make their own money for their hard work!
North 61 is not a traditional music label. We are simply purveyors of fine music. We have nothing against major labels, it's just that we think that much of the good music you are seeking is often overlooked by many labels which haven't quite caught up to the idea that good music isn't about presenting one decent song on a CD full of filler tunes or simply creating an image for an artist, but exploiting real artists whose image is authentic to who they are, and the music they write. The Blues, to us, is about the stories, and the songs. Flashy licks are ok, for a while. Honoring the traditional artists is great too. But it doesn't stop there. It's the songs that made this music, and it's the songs that will insure it's survival into the next century.
We released "Reclamation" by The Vincent Hayes Project in the Spring of 2010, and watched in awe as it was quickly added to playlists on over 200 terrestrial stations worldwide in 10 different countries, including the nationally syndicated "Blues Deluxe" program. By June it had debuted at #20 on the National Living Blues Chart, as well as the National Roots Music Chart, where it remained for over 10 weeks. By September the disc was added to rotation on BB King's Bluesville on Sirius/XM Channel 74, where it has been a favorite of DJ Pat St. John. Finally, in December, only 9 months after release, we received the incredible news that not only has The Vincent Hayes Project been nominated for a 2011 Blues Music Award for "Best New Artist Debut", but in February of 2011, they were the recipient of three categories of WYCE Jammie Awards in the categories of "Best Album, Best Blues Album, Best Group." Additionally, our friend and producer/engineer Glenn Brown received the Jammie for "Producer of The Year" for his work on reclamation, as well as other Jammie nominated discs! Not bad for our first release!
It is our goal to continue and constantly improve upon this model of success with The Vincent Hayes Project, by taking additional authentic artists into our family who groove with our vision of putting the power back into the hands of artists, and presenting music written and performed with integrity, purpose and passion.
We thank you for your interest and support of North 61 and The Vincent Hayes Project!