It Came Without... Update 03

I am getting some big names attached to this project. I can't say anything yet, but I have been planting seeds and there is already a giant sunflower in my lawn waking me up when I begin to fall asleep on all of this. Thank you sunflower.

For everybody else, send me your music I have 2 songs now added to the tracklist and I'll be recording 1 or 2 I wrote too depending on how many of the committed (>30 tracks) actually come through. Take it easy.

Love yourself,
NBK SLM

It Came Without... Update 02

I was hoping to use today to actual publish a review of a CD I just did yesterday but it will have to wait. Instead, I'll let everybody know that I have two songs received and probably 5 or 6 more promised in addition to the one or two I am planning to contribute.

That which is certain: The title of the project is "It Came Without Packages, Boxes or Tags: Shangri-La Media 2008." The album artwork for the front is being finalized. It will have no more than 19 tracks and no less than 14. It will sell for $7.00 a disc, once I cover overhead the price may go down but since it's completely non-profit, it shouldn't be counted on. The artwork I have received already will in fact be featured in the CD booklet and the back of the CD may as well already have it's vacancy filled thanks to somebody's creative force.

That which is uncertain: Which tracks will be appearing on the CD, What the overall theme of those songs will be. If I will have room to publish lyrics. What kind of online interactivity will follow purchase of the CD. How many copies of the CD will be pressed (this is up to you, I need everybody to promote as well as order and take orders from others). How I'm going to pull this off ha. Where I'm going to be living next month (also another joke).

That which falls somewhere in between: What type of pressing I will be ordering. Actual disc artwork. Copyright information. Standards for acceptance. Label it will be pressed under. What charities the proceeds will be supporting.

Any way you can help out, please do. Prayer is really needed right now as well as encouraging words, most of all though, I need you to send me your music. I'm looking at about a two and half month timeline right now for production and credit raising, I am now working in Sacramento, so I have even less time to take care of the administrative aspects of the project, recieving your music is taking a huge burden off of my shoulders. Thank you everyone for reading.

Love yourself,
NBK.

It Came Without... Update 01

I need you all to start emailing me the songs, not just telling me you have something to contribute but actually sending me the songs at Franceandarabia@yahoo.com it's crucial that I start getting these as it's going to take a long time for me to get everything together with the production.


Which leads me to my next point: I've gotten much more people who said they're interested than I have room on the CD. This might turn into a bit of a competition to see who can get their tracks on. Don't think for a minute that because your piece lacks musical complexity or a full band or anything that it will be omitted. I'm going for a really eclectic blend of alternative music and myself, have really strange taste in music (so even though you might not think it's anything special, I would imagine it to be genius). Please remember, you are always your harshest critic and that what you have inside is probably more beautiful to others than anything you've heard is to you. The title I'm working for right now is "It Came Without Packages, Boxes or Tags:________ 2008" (where the blank is the name of the media station and music review empire I am attempting to formulate, at least for an excuse to spend this autumn listening to music all of the time). Recognize the title? That's right it's from the Grinch, Dr. Seuss' timeless classic about a mistaken, bitter man confusing the spirit of Christmas for commercial indulgence. Sadly, American society has come to a point where Christmas would be little without the presents...

Which leads me to my next point: The unifying force behind this CD will be the thematically emphasized need of our generation to break away from such mystification at material goods. If you do your part, and I do mine, each song, each peace of artwork will stress the idea that the Holidays should be a time when we celebrate a genuine feeling of warmth for others people regardless of their situations. Not only will this message be stressed, but I hope it will be made an example as anything that goes beyond the production cost of the CDs will go to the charity organization, "Operation: Christmas Child" and "Toys for Tots" both organizations are certified accountable (that is, they don't just front and take the money for themselves) and awesome ways to reach out and help people feel some of the joy we take for granted in the American Christmas Spirit...

Which leads me to my final point (speech class much ha): The package I'm looking at right now is buying bulk, 1000 CDs in Digipak packaging (for those of you who don't know, Digipak is that cool CD case you have where it's cardstock on the outside printed and then inside has a plastic dock for the actual CD. It will include a booklet which will have contributed artwork, contact details and maybe even a short biography about each of the artists/musicians who have contributed. There will be an extensive thank you to anyone who has helped through financial donations, prayer or in any other way assisted the project (encouragement is a big one, and honestly, desparately needed).


Thank you so much, I know this was huge.


Love yourself,
NBK

It Came Without Packages, Boxes or Tags

I know starting out an unsigned music review blog, I should probably be writing about the greatest band you've never heard, but instead I'm going to re-enter my proposal for what will no doubt be consuming me for the next 3 months.

Here is the original post, which appeared on www.myspace.com/webecomesilence as a bulletin, a branstorm, a battle that will be fought.

"
As the Holiday time will be here in no time I thought it would be a good idea for anybody who is able to help with something good for others. Whether that is through Toys for Tots or Operation: Christmas Child I have a huge list of charities that work especially hard around the holidays.


Here is my idea. If you are an independent singer or musician, I think it would be really neat if you could record one or two of the songs you have written (for copyright purposes, please no covers, unless it is public domain like a Christmas song) and send them to me (in .mp3 format at Franceandarabia@yahoo.com). What I can do then, is I can put all of the songs I receive on a CD and have it printed and published.


Each disc would then be sold for about $7.00, initially, because I am a poor man, part of the cost would have to go to covering the cost of CD production. I've already researched though and found the most inexpensive printers who are in no way going to compromise the integrity of the disc. In fact, the grassroots printing will give it a certain character I feel, more of an indie vibe.


Also if you can record, or know of people who can record, let me know because I'm sure not everybody has the ability to do that in their household, and to keep cost low and charity high, its important that the recording is done pro bono.


Thanks everyone for reading this, and I look forward to hearing your contributions and being encouraged by your hearts.

"
Love Yourself
NBK