My latest scheme comes off of an argument with a friend of mine. We were discussing my place here in town and how i was working hard on building something worthwhile here. She argued that I was building NOTHING and wasting my time in Colorado and that i could do better work elsewhere in the same field.
Well I feel like me and my fellow friends in the music works of Colorado Springs ARE actually doing well for this town and we are building a better foundation for a better music scene. Mostly to prove her wrong and the rest of the naysayers, I want to start a new project.
Last summer I put out a free music sampler of the upcoming touring bands coming through the Triple Nickel. I have been told by a few people it was a "great idea" and a "huge success," but I am quiet unsure it had the desired effect of bringing attention to the music we were bringing last summer. I'd like to do another this year with a larger scale in mind, and not just me sitting at the computer copying 100+ cds by my lonesome.
Then the wheels started turning. A lot of local bands wanted onto this compilation, which was designed to mostly promote the touring bands. The idea of a just local compilation wouldn't be a bad idea and over the last few weeks and months, this is the basis for what i want to do.
I want to do a local music compilation of bands who regularly play in Colorado Springs.
To Qualify for the compilation, each band must submit a track and a small nominal fee. I'm thinking around $20 - $30 bucks.
The money collected from the application fee goes into a fund to press the cds. I'm not thinking anything fancy, but a simple CD and cardboard slipcase.
I want to form a committee of 8-10 people.
These people would come from all walks of the art community in town. Their purpose would be to help judge the merit and fit of the songs on the compilation to make sure it fits and give a good impression to people who do NOT normally frequent local live music.
Not all tracks will make it to the final cut. I'm thinking about 20 tracks. If your track was not picked, you will not get your money back, but it will instead go into the fund for the CD pressing. Much like a film festival you do not get your application fee back if you are not chosen, this will work in the same manner.
The Cds would be given away FREE around town, with the main purpose of exposing people to different music they are not already aware of. It would also be used to attract people who do not frequent live music events in Colorado Springs. This would be the target audience for this project.
The tracks would also be available for free online so those who can not find the CDs may still enjoy it and be enriched by the music.
I'd like to do a huge release weekend EVENT, where several spaces around town have FREE showcases with local musicians. I'd like to do this in a similar way as Fort Collin's FoCoMx (http://www.focomx.org/) Which is a localized music festival where different bands who normally do not perform together share the same stage at venues they do not frequent often. IE Stab Crew plays with Edith Makes a Paperchain. (which is an extreme example, but you get the idea.) Only musicians featured on the compilation would make the cut, But i envision a week long event at several, several local bars, art galleries, ect.
How musicians would gain from this is the added exposure. The free Cd with their name and track circulating around the town would only help their exposure and find a new and different audience and help grow their fan base and show turnouts, resulting from bigger paycheck from the shows they do play.
The venues hosting the free shows would of course benefit from the added exposure to their spaces, and of course would still make profit off the bar, drinks, food, ect.
Bands who are not chosen, would also benefit from the added exposure to the music scene and concerts around town. They would also benefit from playing with other bands whose tracks made it to the final cut, and could grow off of their exposure.
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This is just a hair brain idea that's been rattling around in my brain for a few months now and has finally come to a head with the help of my negative friend and too much time on my hand.
This is not something I wish to do alone and on my own. We have A fabulous collective of people who wish to help and further the arts scene here in Colorado, and I wish to involve them every step of the way. Plus, with a committee of sorts to help decide the tracks, it makes it more fair for other bands who i might not necessarily enjoy to make it on the compilation rather than if i had just done it on my own.
Its a chance for all of us to come together and really work to unify the various art and musician cliques and bring us together and have some damned good parties because of it.
These are just ideas. I value your input and am eagerly awaiting it.
Let me know what you think.
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It sounds likea great idea Damian. I tend to think of healthy music\art scenes as co-ops and this really leverages that concept.
ReplyDeleteBand perspective - I'd suggest having people submit, no fee at all, then have the bands chosen pay in X amount but in return they get a handful of CD's which they could sell at their shows (presumably ones not in Co Springs since the comp could be had for free around town) or give away if they see fit. That way you won't leave anyone feeling burned and are more likely to have more bands submit if it's "no risk".
ReplyDeleteYou're also gonna have to figure out a method for getting this free CD into the right people's hands. Have some venues give away copies to people who hit the bar/restaurant but don't normally see bands and more importantly have a record store (s) help in distribution. Free copies at the counter of a good record store can be a hell of a good bit of advertising.
Good concept but lots of logistics to work out.