about us

Blackwater Collective is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and functions as the overarching organization overseeing J.R. Gilmore Studios, and our boutique label, Santa Rosa Records.

In short, Blackwater Co. is a label, publisher, studio, and curator of obscure, underground art.

The collective was conceived in the winter of 2015 by West Texas native, J.R. Gilmore.

Does your project need a mix or masterGet in touch with our in-house producer.

If you have something you think we might like, something that sounds like it was made in a dark bedroom studio, then please get in touch.

core values

Integrity is an adherence to a set of innate values that guide one’s behavior, even when nobody’s watching. An individual with integrity speaks from the heart, and tries not to deceive. 

Honesty involves presenting things as they are, without distortion or exaggeration, even if it hurts.

Innovation cultivates creative ideas in order to facilitate change. It doesn’t fear change, and it adapts to the ever-mutating environment of our planet.

“It’s not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it’s not the strongest that survives; but the species that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.” — Charles Darwin, On the Origin of Species

Adaption is the ability to adjust and survive in response to evolving landscapes. It involves flexibility, resilience, and creativity.

Perseverance is vital. However, one must persevere in a sustainable manner, for the path is long and hard. Be steadfast in the pursuit of your vision, even when the path begins to wane.

Now advance slowly and steadily, rest along the way my friend, and always be patient, for paradise awaits.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ― Lao Tzu

paradigm of illusion

The cyclical postmodern world of relativity seems to bleed disillusionment — a vague nihilistic streak that infects those who cross the threshold and begin to ponder their very own existence and even poke at the fabric of reality itself.

Nonetheless, the age of the technological overman is nigh. The bridge has been built and the time has come for us to make the great crossing and fulfill our fate.