Independent Music Sought

It Takes A Village To Make Records, an independently-run music label, seeks tracks for an upcoming, FREE sampler of independent music and soundscapes. ITAV specializes in unique, handcrafted recordings, a hands-off approach to creative control and copyright ownership, and visually stunning graphic design and packaging. ITAV releases are designed to grab potential purchasers from across a room and draw them to your music.

"First-hand Accounts, Theories, and their Repercussions" will act as a calling card for ITAV, rather than a label roster compilation. In that spirit, ITAV seeks music of all forms, from traditional folk to noise. Additionally, songs which demonstrate a strong independent vein are desired, whether that is shown by experimental qualities or simply by the song's lack of slickness. "First-hand Accounts" will contain live tracks, demos and/or alternate versions and home recordings. Tracks are sought from all types of artists, famous or unknown.

Artists will retain full rights to their music. "First-hand Accounts" will be distributed FREE as an educational tool and an example of ITAV's creative expertise. For that reason, ITAV cannot offer compensation for your track, however full credits will be included in the packaging, including songwriting credits, "appears courtesy of..." messages, and/or internet resources.

ITAV is cultivating a diverse artist base for this project and for their emerging catalog. For more information and to submit your tracks, contact stargrazerllc@gmail.com.

Excellent Home-Recording Resource

If you enjoy the art of recording music, consider subscribing to TapeOp: the Creative Music Recording Magazine. TapeOp is independently published and FREE -- the advertisers pay for your subscription. This bi-monthly publication is full of excellent interviews, stories of famous recordings, and tours of studios (both humble and grandiose). Additionally, there are many tips to get better sounds and maximize your recording equipment, as well as an on-line question-and-answer forum. TapeOp is not a gearhead mag (entirely), though -- editor Larry Crane (of Jackpot! Studios) focuses on inventive, often modestly-budgeted solutions to capture the sounds you want. In addition, TapeOp hosts an annual convention for recording enthusiasts and professionals. I'm always excited when my copy comes in the mail!

Unleashing The Rock Poster

Here is a recently completed poster design for the Detroit-area indie/rock band Stare Into The Sun. I've always loved the interface between music and graphic design, exemplified by everything from jazz LP covers to the many wonderful rock fliers created by such genius minds as Rick Griffin and Frank Kozik.

My goal was to create a poster that reflected the band's aesthetic, while at the same time tempting viewers to steal the poster for their apartment or dorm room walls. Ultimately, getting the band name out there and drawing people to gigs is the purpose of a good poster -- so we communicated extensively to make sure the final design was clearly readable and visually arresting. This was a quick turnaround project -- Kevin from SITS contacted me on July 4 and the design was mailed July 7!


Check out Stare Into The Sun, The Black Spoons, and Tiny Amps of Corduroy Tuscadero at Hamtramck's Painted Lady (2390 Jacob), this Saturday, July 16 2005.