O40M » ABOUT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Only For The Open-Minded?

ONLY FOR THE OPEN MINDED (O4OM) is a community supported, independent art and music dissemination unit consisting of three parts; Only For the Open Minded Records, Open Minded Press, and Shared Madness. We aim to inspire, create and distribute different forms of art, music and literature, made by people who believe that the creative process is an adventure that will not be restricted by any kind of categorization or limitation.

Our goal is not to make a lot of money – our goal is to acknowledge and distribute the work of artists we admire who do things on their own terms.

It is easier to talk about what you want to have happen than to actually make it happen, but if you can imagine it, then you can do it. We are simply doing what we want to happen.

How Did O4OM Get Started?

Happy People Have No History
ONLY FOR THE OPEN-MINDED started in 2002, originally to distribute DRD recordings. Slowly, it expanded into a distro and support system for other creative groups and individuals. Currently run out of Champ and Rhea’s Los Angeles home, we are funded from our own pockets and donations. O4OM transitioned from a myspace page to a full-fledged website in 2009 with the help of Oliver Fritz Kurt Dammasch and Denise Duncan.

What is O4OM Records?

O4OM is not a record label, at least not in the traditional sense of what that tends to mean. We are big believers in community and in the DIY spirit. Each artist represented here is a part of that community, whether they are on a label or not. Artists make their recordings available on O40M as a download or as a hard copy. All recordings are made available based on the terms and conditions determined by each artist. Hard copies of CDs, tapes and vinyl are priced inexpensively to emphasize the importance of sharing creativity and building community. With the exception of shipping costs, the artist gets 100% of their album profits.

What Is O4OM Press?

We are slowly making zines available as PDF downloads. Hard copies of zines are often priced as a voluntary donation, or at an affordable cost. We carry zines on a consignment basis, which you can apply for by printing out and sending us a completed form with at least 3 copies of each zine you want us to distribute:

The Open Minded Zine Library now has hundreds of titles from all over the world (thanks much to Jen for donating everything from her collection!). If you are a zinester and would like your zine to be part of our library, send us copies for permanent inclusion in our library (items included in the library will not be sold).

What Is Shared Madness?

We have a number of handmade items available under the Open Minded derivative, Shared Madness. If you would like to have your handmade items sold on our website, please print out and submit a completed consignment form, available here. Items change frequently so check back often! Items change frequently so check back often! You can find our Etsy store here.

How Much Does The Artist Make If Their Work Sells?

Proceeds for all zines/press/music/crafts/etc. go directly to the artist, minus the cost of shipping. We understand that some people don’t want to deal with legal tender and would rather trade, barter or swap. If you prefer this option, please email us, specifying your preferred compensation and we will work with you!

Can I submit my music/art/press/movies/nude pics?

Yes! We encourage anyone, in all genres of music and styles of art, to make submissions, however, we cannot possibly distribute everything we receive. If you don’t know us personally, please email us at onlyfortheopenminded@gmail.com and introduce yourself and your work to us.

Can I Make A DonationTo O4OM?

Yes, please! All donations to O4OM go directly towards reimbursement for photocopies, postage, materials and funding upcoming projects. Donations are accepted through paypal, or email us to coordinate another option.

Send to:
O4OM
2303 S. Catalina St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007