recordteams

Recordteams is a global network of independent, volunteer-based organizations dedicated to preserving and archiving audio recordings of traditional music, folklore, and cultural expressions. Founded in 2004, the network aims to document endangered languages, musical traditions, and oral histories before they disappear due to cultural shifts, globalization, or other factors. The initiative is rooted in the belief that cultural heritage is a vital part of human identity and deserves protection for future generations.

Participating teams, known as "recordteams," consist of local musicians, linguists, anthropologists, and community members who collaborate to collect and document cultural material in their respective regions. These teams use standardized recording protocols to ensure consistency and quality across projects. Their efforts often involve recording live performances, interviews, and oral narratives, which are then transcribed, translated, and cataloged. The collected materials are typically shared with local communities, researchers, and archives to promote cultural preservation and academic study.

Recordteams operates under a decentralized model, allowing teams to tailor their projects to local needs and priorities. Many teams partner with universities, museums, or nonprofits to fund and support their work. The network also emphasizes ethical practices, such as obtaining informed consent from participants and ensuring fair compensation for contributions. While primarily focused on fieldwork, Recordteams occasionally organizes workshops, conferences, and digital archives to disseminate findings and foster collaboration among cultural preservationists worldwide.

The organization’s impact extends beyond documentation, as it often empowers marginalized communities by giving them agency in preserving their own heritage. By making recordings accessible online and through physical archives, Recordteams contributes to broader efforts in cultural heritage conservation and interdisciplinary research. Its work aligns with broader movements in ethnomusicology, linguistics, and digital humanities, reinforcing the importance of oral traditions in understanding global cultural diversity.