What does Sound System Culture actually do?
We produce immersive performance, non-commercial radio and podcasts, multimedia storytelling, paid youth training, and archival recording work. You can see the active lineup on Programs.
FAQ
Questions we get asked
About the organization, the programs, submitting work, applying for an internship, giving, and using our recordings.
The organization
About Sound System Culture
Are you a registered nonprofit?
Yes. Sound System Culture, Inc. is recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Our EIN is 39-4710847.
Who runs it?
The organization is led by Jay Rodriguez-Sierra and Martha Cinader, with governance by a volunteer board of directors. More detail is on the About page.
Where are you based?
We are based in New York, New York, with current community radio and arts-equity work centered in Harlem.
How is the organization funded?
Through donors, grants, memberships, limited-edition releases, and volunteer support. Revenue goes back into artist fees, intern stipends, equipment, and distribution.
Listening
The programs
Does it cost anything to listen?
No. The broadcasts are free and ad-free.
How often do new episodes come out?
The core network programming is weekly, with additional seasonal remixes and archive editions.
I program a community radio station. Can we carry a show?
Yes. We can supply episodes plus promos and mid-roll station IDs. Contact us through Support.
Can I use a clip from an episode in my own work?
Please ask first. Contributors keep rights to their work, so clip use and licensing need explicit permission.
Taking part
Submissions, internships and volunteering
Can I submit my writing, poetry or music?
Yes. We read poems, stories, columns, reviews, audio pieces and show proposals year-round, free of charge, from anywhere.
Who can apply for the internship, and is it paid?
The internship is for a small cohort of graduating high school seniors heading to college, and it is paid.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes. We regularly look for help with editing, mixing, transcription, research, photography, design, grant writing, and mentoring.
Can you perform at or produce audio for our event?
Possibly. Use the contact form to propose a collaboration or production partnership.
Giving
Donations and memberships
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, to the extent allowed by law. Straight donations are fully deductible. Memberships may have a partially deductible portion because they include benefits.
Where does the money actually go?
Into artist fees, intern stipends, engineering time, recording equipment, hosting, and distribution to affiliate stations.
Can I give in a way other than by card?
Yes. We can accept checks, employer matching gifts, foundation grants, sponsorship, and some in-kind equipment donations.
Can I fund one specific thing, like a single internship?
Yes. You can underwrite an internship, a commission, or a season of programming. Start with Support.
Do you sell my information or send a lot of email?
No. We do not sell personal information, and we use contact details only to respond or send updates you asked to receive.
Still stuck
Ask a person
We read everything that comes in and usually reply within a week.