TRAVERSE CITY -- Susan Fawcett and Patrick Schaller liked what they heard and wanted to spread the word.
So the two friends, who grew up in Petoskey, launched Fox on a Hill Productions. Their aim is to discover, support and distribute works by independent artists.
In its first year, the company produced 23 albums and two films. Most of the artists they work with are Michigan based.
"I really feel grounded in Michigan. There's just this amazing community of artists that I feel connected to," said Fawcett, 24.
The company has helped with no-interest loans to produce albums and assisted with record sales, publicity, booking and creating album artwork.
Schaller, 28, has a particular interest in film and earned a related degree from the University of Michigan. Fawcett also graduated from Michigan and is a visual artist and musician who plays the fiddle and harmonica, among other instruments. Fawcett said she strives to make and keep connections with artists, and Schaller brings a business background.
Posted on the company's Web site is a newspaper clipping that shows a photograph of Schaller and Fawcett as youngsters, when both were cast in a Petoskey production of "The Nutcracker."
Fox on a Hill was born when the two teamed up to sell Fawcett's art online. Schaller wanted a copy of some music Fawcett put on, but Fawcett told him the artist didn't have funding to make more copies. The idea for the company grew from there, said Schaller.
"Our goal isn't to get rich. Our goal is to be sustainable (so) that the company can continue," he said.
Many of the musicians the company works with are young folk artists and full-time musicians. A lot of them know each other and play together, the co-founders said.
Fox on a Hill helped Lake City musician Seth Bernard re-issue his album, "Being This Being."
"Everyone I know wants music and good music ... and listens to music every day," Bernard said. "We are just trying to get the music to the people and help musicians make a living and to sort-of reach out to different mediums."
Support from Fox on a Hill "validates" that artistic endeavor, he said.
"They are putting their faith in you," said Bernard.
Some of the company's duties are similar to those of a record label, said Fawcett. But she doesn't want the company to be defined or confined by traditional industry roles. Schaller hopes the company will help independent art flourish and spread to new audiences. In their second year, he wants to create more films and add venue performances.
For more information about Fox on a Hil, visit www.foxonahill.com.
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