Smithsonian Folkways gives access to its digital archive

Smithsonian Folkways has opened up its digital archive to its donors.

The archive, comprising more than 60,000 recordings, provide access to a diverse range of musical genres and cultural traditions from around the world.

For a monthly subscription fee as low as $5, patrons can explore rare recordings, artist interviews, and in-depth analyses of various musical styles through the 'Friends of Folkways' program.

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The money raised from "Friends of Folkways" goes towards supporting the label and paying artist royalties. Aside from the exclusive access it offers, the subscription service plays a crucial role in supporting the nonprofit label's preservation efforts. The generated funds aid the institution in recording, archiving, and celebrating the voices of musicians, ensuring the longevity of these cultural legacies.

From Appalachian folk tunes to Afrobeat rhythms and indigenous chants, the archive provides a comprehensive overview of human musical expression across ages and cultures.

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Folkways was founded by Moses Asch and Marian Dislter in 1948, with the Smithsonian absorbing the label in 1987 following Asch's death. Currently in its 75th year, the institution has celebrated its anniversary with reissues and merchandise including Matmos' 'Return to Archive'. 'Return to Archive' consists of Matmos dicing, looping, stretching and recontextualising the thousands of field recordings and experimentations probing the margins of the human soundscape.

Interested individuals can easily participate by signing up on the Smithsonian Folkways website and selecting a suitable subscription plan. The move is seen as a significant step in promoting the accessibility of cultural heritage and fostering a sense of global community among music enthusiasts.

You can sign up to be a Friend of Folkways and gain exclusive access to its digital archive here.

Tibor Heskett is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter