MU record label believes in talent

Millersville University’s record label is unlike any other organization on campus. They are a student run, non-profit group called, First Dimension Records or FDR. According to the label’s website, FDR focuses on “creating a quality product that is competitive with other independent labels.”

FDR was founded in 2004 as a class project for the music business and technology majors. They went dormant for a while, but regrouped in Spring of 2007.  FDR remain the only record label on campus and are dedicated to finding musical talent in Millersville and surrounding areas. “We believe in talent,” Connor Patterson, president of FDR. “We don’t do it to make money.”
FDR is competing with other colleges to win the Independent Music Award in October. Patterson is confident that FDR will be able to bring home this year’s award. “The most prominent schools that we are in competition with are Drexel, Boston University, and Stevens School of Music and Arts,” said Patterson. He also said that winning this award means tremendous publicity in the form of television and magazine appearances and above all, it is a prestige to win.

The logo for First Dimension Records.

FDR has released nine albums and only two have sold substantially. Out of the two most successful albums, Patchwork was FDR’s most recent. It was released in November of 2008 and had two sold out shows in Millersville and Lancaster. This album had 300 song downloads from iTunes since its release. “Because of the quality of the artists and the amount of work that went into it by a dedicated team of core members, the album was a huge success” said Patterson. Tracks are available for sale at i-Tunes and Amazon. Also, music videos for Patchwork are available on YouTube.

Besides looking for music talent, FDR has a community outreach program as well. Josh Tweedy the director of Community Outreach, came up with the idea as a freshman. “He goes into high schools in the Philadelphia, York and Lancaster areas and talks to the kids about the music industry. Everything from what jobs are available, how an album works to the distribution process,” said Patterson.

Although, FDR presently have no bands signed under their record label, they are in search of young talent. Not only are they seeking new bands, but they are also looking for new members to join FDR’s team. “We are losing many leadership positions upon graduation, so we welcome newcomers, preferably music business and technology majors,” said Patterson.