FAQs
WHAT IS PAPER SLEEVE?
1
Paper Sleeve is a Pittsburgh-based recording studio and independent music imprint. We help emerging artists make records, release music independently, and sell directly to their fans.
Is Paper Sleeve a record label, a recording studio, or something else?
2
Paper Sleeve is a Studio Imprint, functioning as both a recording studio and an independent music imprint. That means we help artists create music in the studio, then support the release, promotion, and sale of that music through Paper Sleeve.
WHERE IS PAPER SLEEVE LOCATED?
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Paper Sleeve is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
What does Paper Sleeve do for artists?
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Paper Sleeve helps artists with recording, production, mixing, mastering, release planning, artwork, distribution, marketing, direct-to-fan sales, merchandise, and other parts of the release process.
How does Paper Sleeve release music?
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Our favorite way to release music is serially, through a kind of artist residency we call an Artist Series.
An Artist Series is not an album broken apart into an endless waterfall of singles. It is a complete body of work built in public, one piece of music at a time.
Each song gets its own moment, while also becoming part of something larger. Over time, individual songs may be collected into larger releases, special editions, deluxe versions, merchandise bundles, or physical products such as CDs, cassettes, or vinyl.
Fans can support and hear Paper Sleeve releases directly through Artist Series Studio Passes, digital releases, streaming platforms, and, when available, local stores that carry physical music.
What is a Studio Pass?
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A Studio Pass is a one-time purchase that gives fans access to digital downloads of an artist’s current Artist Series, as well as any and all future Paper Sleeve releases by that artist.
It is a direct way for fans to support an artist’s work while receiving the music they make through Paper Sleeve.
Is the Studio Pass a subscription?
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No. The Studio Pass is not a subscription. It is a one-time purchase.
What do fans receive when they buy a Studio Pass?
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Fans get digital downloads of the artist’s current and future Paper Sleeve releases. Depending on the artist and release, additional music, bonus content, or special editions may also become available.
How can an artist work with Paper Sleeve?
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Artists can contact Paper Sleeve with music, demos, project ideas, or questions about working together. Some artists may become Creative Partners through the Paper Sleeve imprint model, while others may book recording, production, mixing, or other studio services separately.
What is the difference between becoming a Creative Partner and booking Studio Services?
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A Creative Partner works with Paper Sleeve through the imprint model, where Paper Sleeve helps create, release, sell, and monetize the artist’s music. Booking studio services is different: the artist simply hires Paper Sleeve for specific services such as recording, production, or mixing without joining the imprint model.