A Voluntary (music CD) Production?

[John]

I have been asked enough times and by enough friends; so it is overdo that I put out a call.
I've been asked to put my folk songs onto a CD, which, to me, sounds like fun.  But, I need help.

First of all: I haven't had enough material to make a CD.  (I really only had one original song as of PorcFest 06.)  Then, inspired by conversations in Lancaster, I decided to look for (and commit (in my heart) to) inspirations for more songs.

Inspiration, as you know, is all around!  (Previously, I had neglected some great opportunities.)  Well, I've begun to harness (just enough (in my heart) to put it into a few songs) some of the inspiration folks in NH give me - and I now have a few more songs.

With new songs came more questions regarding a CD.

Towards the end of last year (06) I said that in 2007 I'd take a look at the possibility of creating a CD.  Now, being it is well into 2007, you can figure that I'm looking at how to get that started.

Among the first things that came to mind is that others have songs to.  Well, why should a CD have only songs by one artist?  Other folks have songs to - - - and some of them are even already recorded!
Maybe some folks would like to contribute a song (or more) and then we might have plenty - - -maybe even too many.

Another thought followed:  How would one coordinate - without getting into all the legal crap that would only get in the the way of getting this art published?

Ever hear about "V" for Voluntary"?

I'm thinking about a music CD that will never be sold.  Those who like the CD will be encouraged to give a voluntary gift (of whatever they think the CD is worth to them) to whatever organization or individual they think deserves some support.

Individuals contributing to the production of the music CD might have their favorite (nonviolent) cause printed (right next to their name, if they choose) in the credits.

I hope to begin this project soon.  Any/all help/ideas are welcome!

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU HEARD  - or SAID - THAT "TODAY'S FREEDOM MOVEMENT REALLY NEEDS MORE MUSIC"?  Let's start.

Let's start -now.

[Kat Kanning]

Sounds cool

[Tom Sawyer]

Great ideas John...
I think that art appeals to the heart and reaches people on a different, more powerful level... it is also timeless, having a long shelf life.

Kevin aworldnervelink might be interested in being the recording engineer. I would volunteer to videotape and photograph some of the sessions.

Any ideas on a title for the album?

[John]

Any ideas on a title for the album?

Way too many (which is good) at this point ---big surprise I'm sure.  The original title idea (where it may eventually come back to) was "Calling You Home."

Now I'm just having fun with lots of ideas and I'm totally open.  Even the ideas for cover art are way open.

I was originally thinking of using one of my nature pictures . . . also thought of the title "Sign of the Times" (done in stencil style lettering). . . then thought of throwing it open to suggestion. . .

[John]

Oh and thanks for the offer to help!  I'll sure need it.

[aworldnervelink]

Yes, I can record it... I am already working with Rocketman on some of his folk rock.

I will also contribute a song, but it sure won't be folk. 

[CNHT]

Oh and thanks for the offer to help!  I'll sure need it.

John -- maybe sometime you will come over and jam with us....we can back you up. We are electric but we can soften it I'm sure! I have a couple extra acoustic guitars, and one extra really nice electric one. I can back up folk with picking style, as I did folk music since 40 years ago. Rock is new for me, but I'm liking the power and loudness of it...



We are getting the basement ready, have the drum set almost done being put together, have a rug coming, and of course there is a fridge for the beer!
I have two amps as well.

[John]

I am already working with Rocketman on some of his folk rock.

Nice.

[John]

Yes, I can record it...

I will also contribute a song, but it sure won't be folk. 

Thank you!  And I don't expect style will be a problem at all.  Most folks like (or at least find interesting) a variety of styles.

Maybe the glue that holds it all together will be some sort of (very, very loose) theme of oh-I-don't-know Liberty, Justice, Freedom, rebellion, friends, family, fun, New Hampshire (or at least New England  ), guns, beauty, Peace, Love & Understanding, etc. etc.

[John]

maybe sometime you will come over and jam with us....we can back you up. We are electric but we can soften it I'm sure!

Thanks Jane!  But maybe rather than you all softening everything, I step it up into my old Rock-and-Roll mode for a song?      I "think" I still have some of that left in me. 
Maybe one or the other - or both?  This will be fun!

[CNHT]

maybe sometime you will come over and jam with us....we can back you up. We are electric but we can soften it I'm sure!

Thanks Jane!  But maybe rather than you all softening everything, I step it up into my old Rock-and-Roll mode for a song?      I "think" I still have some of that left in me. 
Maybe one or the other - or both?  This will be fun!

I need someone to harmonize with....like Jake and Elmo? 

[aworldnervelink]

You mean Jake and Elwood?  ???

[CNHT]

You mean Jake and Elwood?  ???

LOL yes!!! <hysterical> That's exactly who I meant.. (Elmo, LOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

[John]

 :rimshot1:

[Quantrill]

Wow.  I didn't know there were so many musicians here.  I've been working on some stuff but no folk music.  I've been planning on doing my own thing, but maybe I could contribute a track.  As my musical tastes are very eclectic, I've been working on different styles (blues, punk rock, hip hop etc...).  I think the message of Liberty should be in the mainstream more than it is and most political music borders on Socialist tendencies.

Question - why don't you want the music copyrighted?  It's easy enough to do and not expensive.  You wouldn't have to sell the music; but if it's not copyrighted, some unscrupulous types could basically steal it and copyright it then you'd really have some legal problems...