To foster the creation of original audio content, the Library has launched Fifth Avenue Studios, which supports local podcasters, musicians, and audio creators in the Ann Arbor area. Do you want to launch a podcast? Record and release an album? Produce an audio drama? Fifth Avenue Studios might be able to help. Got any questions? Please email fifthavenuestudios@aadl.org.
We're accepting proposals from:
- Beginner or experienced podcasters who want to create something new, or need help improving the quality of an existing podcast
- Local bands, musicians, or artists looking to record, produce, and release their work
- Audio creators with an idea that doesn't quite fit into the podcast or music category
Podcasts
Fifth Avenue Studios is here to help launch brand new podcasts or offer support to existing podcasters to help improve their podcasts.
The Library wants to help produce podcasts for all audiences, across multiple genres, and formats, on all kinds of topics, with a preference for locally-focused content exploring the culture, experiences, interests, and history of the Ann Arbor area. Creators must reside in Washtenaw County to participate. Podcasts must remain ad-free while released through Fifth Avenue Studios.
AADL will review all proposals and determine which projects move forward.
The Library can provide a number of services to podcast creators:
- Podcast hosting, file management, and uploading to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and major podcast directories
- Recording, editing, and mastering from our production team
- Access to AADL's recording studio
- Consulting with our team of production experts on best practices for recording and editing
- Help obtain music, sound effects, and theme songs
- Editorial direction and advice
- Branding and logo creation
- Podcast promotion on aadl.org and through AADL's social media channels
Submit your podcast proposal here
Questions or feedback? Please email fifthavenuestudios@aadl.org
Music
AADL wants to help local bands and musicians record, produce, and release work digitally and in physical formats. It can be a band or musician's first public release, or their tenth, depending on the project and how best we can help. Creators must reside in Washtenaw County to participate.
AADL will review all proposals and determine which projects move forward.
The Library can provide a number of services to bands and musicians:
- Studio recording
- Production
- Audio mastering
- Engineering
- Album design
- Music video production
- Album promotion on aadl.org and through AADL's social media channels
Submit your demo or samples here
Questions or feedback? Please email fifthavenuestudios@aadl.org
Other Audio Projects
Have an audio project that doesn't quite fit into the podcast or music categories, like a radio play, audio screenplay, audiobook, or walking tour? Fifth Avenue Studios might still be able to help. AADL can offer studio recording, audio production, and more. Let us know what your project is by filling out the Fifth Avenue Studio Audio Project Proposal Form. You can also submit any audio samples that might help describe your project and the Fifth Avenue Studios team will review them. Typically, submissions are reviewed and a response is sent within 3-8 weeks.
Submit your audio project here
Questions or feedback? Please email fifthavenuestudios@aadl.org
Media Coverage of Fifth Avenue Studios
Ann Arbor Library Project Shapes Audio Projects From Music to Podcasts | The Ann Arbor News, May 27, 2022
Booking the Fifth Avenue Studio
Just want to use the recording studio at the Downtown Library for your own project? Check out https://aadl.org/bookastudio for more information.