Peppermill Records has been around since 2006, and takes a unique approach to the netlabel model, stressing collaboration among artists. I recently talked with Peter, owner of Peppermill. He has some wonderful ideas, and really elaborated on some of my questions. Check out the interview, then go download some free music from the Peppermill site, you will not be disappointed!

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SFM: What is your definition of a netlabel?

Peppermill: Hmm good question. There’s a few different definitions… one would be that of a non-profit mp3 label without geographical barriers, often consisting of experimental genres that aren’t often sold, such as noise and ambient music. Another is that of any digital label that forgoes physical releases. Then again there’s combinations of these, along with others that also put out cd’s and vinyl. I like many others tend to consider netlabels those that put out the majority of their works under Creative Commons licenses and promote the idea of free music. But that’s just because it’s what I’m used to, I don’t know if any one group of people can lay official claim to such a broad term.

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I recently had a Skype chat with Moritz “mo.” Sauer of Phlow Magazine.

He goes into great detail on several issues relating to free music and netlabel culture. Take a listen to the interview, and make sure to head over to Phlow for the best in netlabel news and reviews!

Interview with mo. of Phlow

I was recently in contact with Scott, the owner of Archaic Horizon netlabel, and he answered a few of my questions. Archaic Horizon started in 2006, and now has 37 releases of great ambient and experimental music available for DL. Check out the interview, then head over to AH for some free tunes!

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SFM: What has been the primary motivation for starting/maintaining your own netlabel? Also, what is the motivation for artists to release their music on a netlabel such as Archaic Horizon?

AH: Motivation to start Archaic Horizon came from seeing other netlabels release great music but then died off too soon, or they changed their business model to fit commercial goals. Following this free model, I began AH with the goal to release my favorite genres of music. Free music was the greatest motivation; if other labels weren’t going to keep their output regular, I figured starting my own label would keep my addiction fixed. Commercial profit was never a goal, nor was accumulating downloads. Certainly, having a respectable audience was key but it was about the respect, not the numbers. Likewise, by collectively organizing like-minded artists we can share the fan base and reach more listeners that share common interests. I feel this is an artists greatest motivation to release music for free on a netlabel.

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According to their website, “Electrodactyl ascended from the frozen bedrock of the northeastern southwest in the winter of 2007. Electrodactyl’s first album represents three years of fledgling flight and discovery of the past through reliving the future.” This duo is making awesome music with an extremely unique sound; think space-pop electronica for cyborgs. With analog delights throughout, including classic synths, drum machines, vocoders, and circuit-bent electronics, along with great melodies, lyrics, and hypnotic sound environments, this album will capture your attention and beg to be listened to all the way through.

Preview the tracks below, then head on over to FutureKomp netlabel to download the album for free. Or here is a direct link to the Zip file.