Our Community

The people who make this work possible: artists, collectors, listeners, scholars, and supporters who believe in the power of music.

From Lance & April

You Make This Possible

Dear Friends,

We began Dust-to-Digital out of a desire to share music that was hard for people to access and often went unheard.

Over 24 years, that desire has led us to produce box sets, books, and films that have introduced audiences to recordings they never would have encountered otherwise. None of that would have happened without a community of listeners and supporters who care about this music as much as we do.

Your support, whether it's a one-time gift, a monthly donation, or buying a release, keeps the musicians and their stories alive and accessible for today and future generations.

Lance & April Ledbetter
Dust-to-Digital

Ways to Contribute

📻
Fund the Radio Station
A direct monthly donation keeps the station running and growing. Any amount helps.
Donate to DTD Radio →
 🎶
Buy an Album
Purchasing directly from us is one of the most meaningful ways to support the work. Every sale funds the next release.
Shop Our Catalog →
 🎵
Listen on Bandcamp
Stream and purchase our full catalog. Bandcamp passes revenue directly to us — more than any streaming platform.
Open Bandcamp →
 🏛️
Give to the Foundation
Dust-to-Digital Foundation funds archival research, education, and preservation work. Donations are tax-deductible.
Learn More →
Send a gift directly: 💙 Venmo @dtdfoundation 🅿 PayPal @dusttodigitalfoundation

Venmo and PayPal gifts go directly to the Dust-to-Digital Foundation. These donations are tax-deductible charitable contributions for US taxpayers.

Dust-to-Digital

Connect With Us

Dust-to-Digital Substack

Stories from Our Substack

Our Origin • November 2023
The 20th Anniversary of Dust-to-Digital
Dust-to-Digital marks its 20th anniversary by reflecting on the production of its first release, "Goodbye, Babylon," a landmark box set of sacred recordings that defined the company's mission. Over two decades, the company has grown into a renowned archive of rare and historic music, preserving cultural memory through meticulous curation and storytelling.
Read Story
A Commemoration • January 2025
Remembering Elizabeth Cotten
Lance Ledbetter writes about Elizabeth Cotten's journey from private musician to American folk icon began with a chance encounter in the Seeger family's home. Discovered in her 60s, Cotten went on to record her first album, influence generations of musicians, and leave a lasting mark with her distinctive left-handed guitar style. Her story is a testament to the overlooked voices that shape music history—and the serendipity that sometimes brings them to light.
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Community Gathering • July 2025
Spirit of '78s: A Record Party in Asheville
April Ledbetter reports on the community and culture surrounding 78-RPM records in "The Spirit of 78s: A Record Party," honoring the legacy of Frank Mare and celebrating the shared passion of collectors who shaped the label's sound. The piece underscores how these gatherings fostered connection through rare music and the dedication of individuals devoted to preserving its history.
Read Story