BOOK SPECS Offset-printed, soft-cover with open-spine Smyth sewn binding / Pages: 136 / Size: 135 x 190 mm (5.31 x 7.48 in.) /Print run: First edition printing of 500 /Papers: Munken Lynx, 240gsm (covers);Munken Print White 1.5, 90gsm (pages) /ISBN: 979-8-9992952-0-0 Wathéča Records is a label and archival project focused on highlighting North AmericanIndigenous musicians and artists who have often been overlooked within the canons of rock, folk, and country music. Wathéča Records was founded in 2022 by JustisBrokenrope (Sicˇháŋgˇu Lakhˇóta), a musician, DJ, and educator currently residing in Bdé Óta Othúŋwe, Mní Sóta (Minneapolis, Minnesota). Driven by Brokenrope’s dedication for building and sharing his still-growing archive of rare vinyl records, cassette tapes, and even 8-track tapes, Wathécˇa RecordsSourcebook showcases what makes physical media and printed ephemera so memorable and ripe for connection while simultaneously documenting a deep reverence for the Indigenous musicians and artists featured throughout the book. From the likes of FloydWesterman and Buddy Red Bow, to the Zuni Midnighters and the Navajo Sundowners, and many more, Wathéča Records Sourcebook is guided by the act of breathing energy and pride into the music for readers to connect with and appreciate. Brokenrope describes the underlying aim of his archival project as providing a renewed platform (via live DJ sets, uploads to the Wathéča Records YouTube channel, Internet radio shows, etc.) to these underrepresented musicians and artists where their music can be heard and appreciated by a wider audience, where accessibility becomes a means of building community around the music, and where the virtues of the archivepromote our bond with memory and history. The pages of this illustrious book feature in-situ photography of album artwork and printed ephemera directly from Brokenrope’s collection, behind the scenesdocumentation of the making and curation of Wathéča Records, as well as an array of reprinted comments handpicked from the Wathéča Records YouTube channel. Posted by communities of fans and avid listeners, the inclusion of these joyous and meaningfulcomments connect readers with the memories and community that exists behind the music.
