Hartke Records, Wichita 1st Friday, Brickhouse Studios, and Midwest-Showcase bring The EP Project to the Universe. Starting March 5th, we will be selecting one band per month to sign to a 6-month, 4-track EP deal. During the 6-month deal we will produce one four track EP and digitally distribute it through HartkeRecords.com, iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody, Amazon MP3, and Napster. We will work diligently to promote and book shows for each band both locally and regionally. All bands signed will be set up with 250 seed paper download cards to sell. Based upon the market demand, physical album production (vinyl or cd) and additional merch will be considered, after the first batch of download cards are sold. There will be an option to renew the deal upon completion of the 6-months based on an evaluation of each individual situation.


When selecting bands we will be looking at these variables:
Bands will be selected by their performance during a First Friday show, based on the variables described below

Originality - how are you progressing music
Passion - how much do you love what you do
Musicianship - how skilled are you at your craft
Live Performance - how awesome is your live set
Vision - how clearly can you define what you want in an album
Commitment - how much time do you have to dedicate to being a musician
Draw - how many people come out to see you play


What we will do:

Production of a 4 track EP recorded at Brickhouse Studios
Production of one "Single" for an exclusive online free download
Production of a High Quality EPK by Midwest-Showcase.com (bio, promo video, promo photos)
Digital Distribution to HartkeRecords.com, iTunes, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody, eMusic, & Napster.
Production of 250 Digital Download Cards to sell
Local/ Regional Promotion
Booking/Management Representation
Viral Promotions set-up on Midwest-Showcase, Myspace, Facebook, & Twitter
Set-up of Sonicbids account
Integration of an online store on Myspace & Facebook


How to submit:

Please fill out the submittal form on the "Booking" page for consideration or (click here)


FAQ's

Is this a like a battle of the bands contest?

- No. There will be numerous people involved in band selection, but none of them will make their presence felt at a show. There wont be any judges blabbing after performances. The people involved in the selection process will be, enthusiastically, part of the crowd. It will be just as any typical First Friday, with a twist.

Is this limited to Wichita musicians?

- No. Any and all bands are encouraged to submit. We are looking for the variables listed above, no matter where you are from.

Will bands be paid for their performance?

-Yes. All bands who participate will be paid normal First Friday guarantees.

Will the band have to pay any fees?

- No. The band will be paid for their performance. If selected, Hartke Records will cover production costs for all things listed in the "what we will do" section above.

Will Hartke Records make my band famous?

- Probably not. We will work very hard to progress each bands musical career and hopefully help each band profit a little bit off of their craft. But as of now, there wont be a million dollar promo budget behind you.

What kind of music are you looking for?

- Original music. Beyond that, anything goes. Let's make some records.


If you have any additional questions, or think we need to add some questions to the FAQ's, please email below.