Alt Minds —Terms & How It Works

Mechanics for the current Alt Minds volume — updated as the series evolves. Looking for the pitch? Alt Minds Vol. 1

Slots and technical requirements

15 track slots per volume:

10 Support slots

For artists who need help finishing.
You provide stems and a rough mix or demo.
We mix and master, with up to 2 revision rounds.
Typical length 3–7 minutes. Longer works considered case by case.

5 Community slots

For tracks that are already mixed and (mostly) mastered.
We expect a reasonably balanced mix with no obvious clipping. We reserve the right to decline on technical quality or fit.
We may apply light mastering sweetening but won't fully remix these.

Curation

Selection is based on fit — sound, vibe and ethos, so the compilation feels cohesive rather than a grab-bag. We can't include everything, even work we love. We'll be clear and direct in our communication if that's the case, so expectations are managed from the start.

Money

Digital income (Bandcamp, streaming)

80% of net income goes to the artists on the compilation, split equally per track.
20% goes to Tenderloin, covering the running costs of ND-focused projects — mixing, mastering, artwork, promotion, and funding future volumes.
Priced pay-what-you-want with a sensible minimum on Bandcamp. Fans paying more directly boosts artists and future ND projects.

Merch

We may produce merch per volume (shirts, prints, zines).
Net profit (after production/fulfilment costs) split 50/50, artists and Tenderloin's ND-projects budget.

Sync and licensing

If sync or licensing interest comes in off the back of this compilation (film, TV, games, etc.), we pass it directly to you. You negotiate and contract independently — we don't take a cut and don't act as your agent.
If Tenderloin is the one placing the compilation as a whole (a curated ND-artist sync package, for example), that's a different arrangement and we'll agree a split with you directly before anything's licensed.

We're not a charity, and this isn't a formal fund — we just want the money to flow back to the artists and to the projects that support them.

Timeline

Submissions window: [START DATE]–[END DATE] (4 weeks)
Selection + production (mix/master): up to 6 weeks
Pre-release promo: 2 weeks

Exact timing may shift depending on volume and complexity of tracks submitted. Updates via Circle throughout.

Community and communication

Circle — all project communication happens in a dedicated Circle space for the cohort. If selected, you'll be invited and we ask that you join; it's free, and it's where updates, deadlines and feedback threads live.
Mailing list — you'll also be added to the Tenderloin mailing list for occasional Alt Minds and ND-resource updates. Opt out any time.

Rights and data

You retain ownership. You must own/control the rights to your track.
You grant Tenderloin a non-exclusive, perpetual licence to include your track on the compilation and to use it (or short excerpts) for promotion — radio, playlists, socials, trailers, press.
You can release your track elsewhere independently, before or after the compilation, provided you don't grant conflicting exclusive rights elsewhere.
Moral rights — you'll always be credited as the artist on any use of your track.
Removal — we reserve the right to remove a track from the compilation or promo materials at any time (rights disputes, safety concerns, community issues). We'll aim to explain why if it happens.
ND self-ID — the submission form has an optional free-text box: how you identify as neurodivergent. Share only what you're comfortable with; it helps us understand the community and may inform how we present your profile.
Data — we store contact and submission details securely, used for project communication and, if you opt in, Tenderloin updates. Governed by our [privacy policy →].

FAQ

I don't identify with any of the listed labels — can I still apply?
Yes. The list is examples, not a checklist. If you see yourself as neurodivergent, you're in.

My track's longer than 7 minutes — is that a dealbreaker?
Not automatically. Send it — we'll consider length alongside everything else.

What if I'm not selected this time?
We'll tell you clearly. Alt Minds is ongoing — you're welcome to submit to future volumes.

Who registers the release for royalty collection?
Tenderloin handles compilation-level registration for the release itself. If you're a PRS/MCPS member, keep your own writer/publisher registration up to date so your share of any performance/mechanical income is tracked correctly on your end too.