Calling all songwriters
Compilation CD to benefit charity
A unique project is underway in Powell River – a compilation CD of Powell River's local musical talent. "We are calling it Powell River: For the Record," says Tom Dowding, sound engineer and owner of The Music Room. The CD is designed to be a project that showcases talented local singers and songwriters and will be in the production phase over the next several months.
"We have plans to launch the finished CD at the Blackberry Fest street party, and perhaps even have a stage where the artists can show off their stuff," says Jenny Garden, who handles the business and marketing end of The Music Room.
"We got the idea from an article we read in BC Musician Magazine that talked about a recording studio in Prince Rupert making a compilation CD of local musicians," says Jenny. "But we decided to add our own spin and make the whole project benefit charity," she says.
"It didn't feel right to try and make money from it," adds Tom. "In the end we just want as many musicians as possible to come and use our studio and hopefully spread the word to their friends."
The benefiting charity has not yet been selected because it will be up to the artists on the CD to choose which charity they would like to support. The Music Room also has plans to promote the songs to local radio and perhaps even CBC.
"I would love to have some artists on the album who have never put their songs out there before," says Tom. "I am blown away sometimes by the people who come to our studio and play the songs they have written; some of it is really great."
Stephanie Formosa is one such young singer/songwriter who has written several songs of her own. "Stephanie and I did some demo recordings of her stuff a while back and I really think her songs have a lot of potential," says Tom. "We actually approached her to see if she would be willing to come to our new studio and record one of her songs for the CD; she was more than happy to."
Cameron Twyford is another singer/songwriter who has a collection of his own music. "When Tom told me about this project I was immediately interested in submitting some of my stuff," says Cameron. "I think it is a fun opportunity for any songwriter."
The Music Room is encouraging anyone who is interested in appearing on the CD to contact them at (604) 485-1220.
"People need not be intimidated; in the end this is a community project that is meant to be a lot of fun," says Jenny. Chosen songs will be produced by The Music Room production staff at no cost to the artists.
When completed, CDs will be sold for $15 each both in hard copy and by digital download from The Music Room's web site at www.music-room.ca.
