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Uncovering the Philly Groove: Processing leaves the archives with shared solutions

Title (author1): 
Prof
First names (author1): 
Toby
Surname (author 1): 
Seay
Institution: 
Drexel University
Country: 
UNITED STATES
Presentation type: 
spoken paper
Date: 
30 Sept Wednesday
Start time: 
1 530
Venue: 
Grand Auditorium
Abstract: 

Philly Groove Records was a small independent recording company based in Philadelphia. Active from 1967 to 1974, Philly Groove made its mark as part of the Philadelphia soul era with artists such as the Delfonics and First Choice. However, the label also had a roster of lesser-known artists that ranged from funk, soul, r&b, and early disco. Now owned by Reservoir Media, the Philly Groove catalog has sat dormant and inaccessible for decades. In the autumn of 2014, the Drexel University Music Industry Program, Drexel University Audio Archives, and Reservoir Media partnered to uncover archival material, provide valuable educational opportunities, and reveal the processed materials to the public. This collaboration is an effort to breathe new life into the collection and provide access to these historic recordings.
The Drexel University Audio Archives aided Reservoir Media in locating and assembling recordings found throughout the United States. Music Industry students were employed to capture metadata and produce access copies. The local recording community provided historical context while the marketing arm of Reservoir Media and Drexel’s MAD Dragon Music Group publicized the collaboration’s outcomes. This presentation will describe this multipolar collaboration, which relates to the conference theme of “Common Concerns – Shared Solutions”.