Archer Records is an independent record label with notoriety in the classical guitar and Americana genres. The label was founded in 2001 in downtown Memphis[1] by Ward Archer, who founded Cotton Row Recording Studios in 1978 and is a former trustee of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.[2] It is housed at Music+Arts Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, formerly Sounds Unreel Studio. Located at 1902 Nelson Avenue, the building was converted to a recording studio in 1981 and was purchased by Archer Records owner Ward Archer in 2007.[3] The layout of Music+Arts Studio was designed by George Augsperger and Nashville studio builder David Cherry.[1]
Archer Records' roster of artists includes Amy LaVere, Lily Afshar, Joyce Cobb and more.[4] The label's first release was "Possession" by Lily Afshar in 2002.[5] Afshar has released a total of four albums on Archer Records. She is the first woman in the world to earn a doctorate in classical guitar performance.[6] Her live performances have been reviewed by the likes of The Washington Post[7] and following the release of her most recent Archer Records project, Bach on Fire, Afshar was invited to perform at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.[8]
Archer Records gained visibility in the Americana genre through its work with Amy LaVere. The label released LaVere's "This World is Not My Home" in 2005.[9] PopMatters called it "one of the best albums of 2006."[10]
In addition to its roster, Archer Records also administers a nonprofit label called Blue Barrel Records that launched in 2014.[11] The label's roster includes Mighty Souls Brass Band and Caleb Sweazy.[12]