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Sonic Archives Sonic Archives
  • Sound
  • Touch
  • Smell
  • Taste
    • Reviews
    • Interviews
    • Op-Eds & Cheap Comments
  • Sight
  • Blog
Mar 02

Preserving Some Of The Magic

This piece may be somewhat redundant if anyone has read any of my previous blog posts, or been in touch with me over the past few years, regarding the Twin Cities Music Preservation Project, but it seemed like as good a time as any to bring things up to date.... read more →
  • March 2, 2026
  • Live Music Archive, Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Tampa Music Archives, Twin Cities Music Archives
Jul 13

Twin Cities Music Archives

Remember when shows cost $5 and someone was always taping in the back? That was me. Since the '80s, I've recorded live performances of Twin Cities bands on whatever gear I had at the time, preserving the magic of the moment. Just about any genre of music you can think... read more →
  • July 13, 2025
  • Live Music Archive, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives
Aug 28

Borrowed Time • Listening Party

Here is an advance Screening / Listening Party for the Borrowed Time album, In A New Land. Welcome to the Listening Party! This is a Private Party - Invitation Only - but feel free to bring a guest, if you're willing to vouch for them.This album was recorded in 1985,... read more →
  • August 28, 2024
  • Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives
Aug 27

Colt Vista 2008-06-29

I was asked to record this show alongside a film crew at Holocene, so the audio mix could be digitally synced with their video. [originally posted in 2008] Colt VistaPortland, OregonHolocene29 June 20084-channel / stereo audience recording16/44.1 analog > digital transfer from master This was a good opportunity to try... read more →
  • August 27, 2024
  • Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin
Aug 26

Horde Of Two 2009-06-26

Hailing from Vancouver, B.C., Horde Of Two is my new favorite band that is *not* from Portland, although their ties with the PDX music scene run deeper than most would probably be aware of. [originally posted in 2009] Horde Of Twolive at HOMEland GalleryPortland, OR26 June 2009 One of the tracks on bassist Wendy... read more →
  • August 26, 2024
  • Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin
Aug 26

Mecca Normal PacNW mini marathon!

In 2009, I had the good fortune to catch up with one of my long-time favorites, Mecca Normal, in the same town I had first seen and met them eighteen years earlier. The town was Olympia, WA; where in 1991, at the International Pop Underground convention, I had the opportunity... read more →
  • August 26, 2024
  • Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin
Aug 26

Chamber Of Commerce 2009-02-20

One of my personal highlights of the 2009 PDX Jazz Festival was an ambitious collaborative project between Blue Cranes and Paxselin Quartet, not only sharing the same bill, but performing together as Chamber Of Commerce. [originally posted in 2009] Blue Cranes /Chamber Of Commercelive at PCPAin conjunction with the 2009... read more →
  • August 26, 2024
  • Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin
Aug 25

PDX Pop Now! 2009 CD Release Party

On Thursday, June 4, 2009, PDX Pop Now! threw a CD release party at Holocene, to celebrate the release of their fifth annual compilation CD, PDX Pop Now! 2009. (originally posted in 2009) PDX Pop Now!CD Release PartyPortland, ORHolocene4 June 2009 A diverse night of entertainment, this event featured live... read more →
  • August 25, 2024
  • Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin
Aug 25

The Baseball Project • Portland 2009

The Baseball Project is what some might call a "super-group" whose members are some of the most durable players of the 80s & 90s alternative / indie / underground rock scene. (originally posted in 2009) The Baseball ProjectPortland, OregonPortland Center For The Performing Arts"Music on Main Street" Outdoor SeriesWednesday, August... read more →
  • August 25, 2024
  • Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin
Aug 19

How I make lathe-cut records

This is a short demo clip I made several years ago, that I thought would be fun to share, and which might help folks understand more about the making of a lathe-cut record in general.
  • August 19, 2024
  • Audio 101
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Hi, my name is J.Free, and I wear a few different hats!

Get in Touch

E-Mail: info@sonicarchives.com

The Sonic Archives Recording Company:
Small-run lathe-cut records made by hand – if you’re interested in a unique alternative to traditional factory-pressed records for your band or musical project.

Record Rescue Rehab Restore:
For the last 40 years or so, I’ve been buying and selling vintage vinyl records. If you’re looking for a hard-to-find vinyl record; or if you have a collection of records you would like to sell, please get in touch with me!

The DJ Hypnos Sound System:
Not your usual DJ – If you have a special event that calls for something a little different, how about a space-age blast of rhythm, soul, jazz and pop, at all speeds!

While you’re here, why not take a look around and check out some of the bands I’ve played in, and some early writing and visual art from the past few decades. You just never know…

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