What is Paper Sleeve?

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 fans.

Is Paper Sleeve a record label, a recording studio, or something else?

Paper Sleeve is both a recording studio and an independent music imprint. 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 based?

Paper Sleeve is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

What does Paper Sleeve do for artists?

Paper Sleeve helps artists with recording, production, mixing, mastering, release planning, artwork, distribution, direct-to-fan sales, merchandise, and other parts of the release process.

How does Paper Sleeve release music?

Paper Sleeve releases music directly to fans, through streaming platforms, and, when available, through local stores that carry physical music. Individual songs may also be collected into larger releases, special editions, or physical products.

What is a Studio Pass?

A Studio Pass is a one-time purchase that gives fans digital access to an artist's current and future Paper Sleeve releases. It is a way for fans to support an artist directly while receiving the music they make through Paper Sleeve.

Is the Studio Pass a subscription?

No. The Studio Pass is not a subscription. It is a one-time purchase.

What do fans receive when they buy a Studio Pass?

Fans receive digital access to 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?

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?

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.

Christian Allen

Paper Sleeve Artists

May 8

Written By Christian Schulz

Paper Sleeve Artist Spotlight

Minimalist Indie/Power Pop for discriminating attention spans.

FEATURED TRACK: ALL TIME LOW

A QUICK WORD

Q: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves, because I already hate it.

Q: What is the best color, and why?
A: The best color is obviously black. It’s spooky and it goes with everything.

Q.If you could change one thing about the world right now, what would it be?
A. Income inequality.

Q. Who is your most important musical influence right now and why?
A. The most important musical influence in my life right now is probably the work of Stiff Records from the late 70’s and early 80’s. Their DIY/Punk meets refined pop sensibilities continue to influence me - from the way that I write songs, to how I record them. A close second would be the production work of Kenneth Blume, especially his work with the bands Geese and Idles.

Q. What makes a song worth remembering?
A. A song worth remembering is one that connects me to a feeling, or a place in a new way. All music is derivative, in a sense, but if you can take something inherently built from what came before it, but make it inspired and fresh, it demands your attention and forces you to remember it, whether you like it or not.

Get the Studio Pass

Buy the Christian Allen Studio Pass once and receive digital access to Christian Allen’s most current and future Paper Sleeve releases.

Christian AllenArtistsNew Music

Christian Schulz