The Chapel Hill Public Library and Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture have collaborated to introduce a commercial-free music platform curated with a diverse collection of local artists.

The project, titled “Tracks Music Library,” launched on June 9 and features Triangle-area artists representing genres from indie rock and bluegrass to hip-hop and electronica. The music is available to anyone to stream for free, with library card holders able to download music and create specialized playlists.

“These hyper-local music collections allow libraries to claim their place in the local music ecosystem, supporting both music lovers and bands in the discovery of new content,” said Tracks coordinator and library special projects manager Molly Luby, in a press release.

The Tracks Music Library project aims to assist people in finding new music to enjoy, and to help connect local musicians with entirely new audiences. The artists initially available on Tracks come as part of a collection curated by former Cat’s Cradle owner and legendary chef Bill Smith, local jazz legend Lois Deloatch and Motorco Music Hall’s Glenn Boothe.

The inaugural Tracks collection boasts over 70 artists – including modern county duo Blue Cactus, Durham world music collective Triangle Afrobeat Orchestra, post-jazz instrumentalists dustlights, hip-hop ambassador and educator Kevin “Rowdy” Rowsey, and post-punk trio Fitness Womxn.

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