Local online band?

**WorshipVanguard** · 07-05-2010, 06:27 PM

Hey worshippers! I have an idea, and I'd like to get your input. Those in the songwriter's group collab with each other through Kompoz.com and Soundcloud.com. Although it's great to collab with each other through the WC, I'm wondering if there is something I can also do locally to recruit band members to collaborate on songwriting. I'm brainstorming ideas of setting up an "online band" in my area. Here is what I'm thinking:

Set up an add in craigslist to recruit band members in my area
Work on original music only
Each musician adds his/her part at his/her convenience (good for me since I have 2 children at home with limited free time)
Each musician must have their own song editing software
Assign each song project a completion deadline
Musicians need to be willing to work on "studio" projects
Those interested can submit an "audition" recording for consideration
No compensation to musicians through this project in the beginning, but will consider if/when projects gain attention

Having local musicians in the project could help connect musicians in the area, set up a creative outlet for local worship musicians, and help create a local worship music culture. At least this is my thought process for now. What do you think? Could something like this be successful? What pitfalls do you foresee? How could I better structure this (if it's a good idea)? Thoughts?

Thanks for your feedback!

**bjordan1221** · 07-06-2010, 08:43 PM

Check out the American Christian Songwriter's Assoiciation. I'm a member and the contacts within this group are phenominal.

**WorshipVanguard** · 07-06-2010, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by bjordan1221

Check out the American Christian Songwriter's Assoiciation. I'm a member and the contacts within this group are phenominal.

Awesome! I found ACMA, GMA, and NACCA, but no ACSA. Do you have a link? Thanks for the suggestion.

**bjordan1221** · 07-06-2010, 11:54 PM

Sign In to AmericanCSA - AmericanCSA

I have been a member of the Texas CSA for a while now. www.texascsa.com. We just had our annual conference where they announced the American CSA. It's a great way to contact people in the business. There are amazing musicians, writers, producers, you name it.

**yod1948** · 07-07-2010, 06:48 AM

* Set up an add in craigslist to recruit band members in my area

also ask churches to make announcements in their bulletins and put up flyers in music stores/coffeehouses/. Radio & television stations are required by law to allow for public service announcements also and this might qualify

* Each musician adds his/her part at his/her convenience (good for me since I have 2 children at home with limited free time)
* Each musician must have their own song editing software

Don't see how it could work any other way ;-)

* Assign each song project a completion deadline

I know that it takes a deadline for me to get serious sometimes but you might allow for unfinished songs to remain indefinitely on a special forum just for them.

* Musicians need to be willing to work on "studio" projects

What does this mean? If I were asked to contribute on a song that was going to be published, released, and sold, I'd probably want to be paid as a studio musician

I *might* be willing to record without charge upfront but once it went for sale, there should be some allowance for compensation.

This is how any profession would approach it so that rule would almost guarantee that no professionals contribute

The biggest flaw I see with this vision is that there is no plan for "live" interaction. It's almost impossible to know someone (and their level of ability) through digital contact.

Is there a church or coffeeshop or other venue that might allow you to meet once a month (or more)? That would certainly speed up the process of matching songwriters/musicians with each other.

You could also review monthly progress with some kind of jam session.

Eventually, you might all pool resources together and make a compilation CD that defines your "scene" there for others to hear.

But it's always a good idea for believers to be actively writing so I have nothing but praise for your idea! May the Lord bless it above and beyond all you can imagine.

**WorshipVanguard** · 07-07-2010, 10:51 AM

Brian, thanks for the link. I need an invitation to join the site. If you don't mind, please email an invitation so I can join. I sent you my address via chat. Let me know if that did not work. Thanks.

Yod, thanks so much for the additional input. There are a few things I need to clarify.
1) Of course, I want to allow some wiggle room for the project deadlines. My only intention behind the deadlines is as you mentioned. Sometimes people need a deadline to get motivated (I'm speaking of myself as well). Plus, I need deadlines so I can effectively set boundaries. Of course, deadlines can change as needed.

2) "Musicians need to be willing to work on 'studio' projects." What I mean by that is simply a willingness to sit down and record stuff on their own at home. As an example, my husband HATES recording in a studio. He just doesn't like all the stops-starts, and all the editing/mixing that is involved. If any musician does not have the patience for the studio process, then this project is not for them. Hope that clarified.

3) Compensation: Of course, I would love to compensate musicians for all their efforts into the project. With this being in a beginning stage, money simply isn't feasible. However, if the band is able to put together a compilation and somehow make moolah from it, PRAISE GOD! We can share in the Lord's blessings. Another point, I want everyone's hearts right in this. It's really not so much about making money, it's more about building a worship music culture in our community.

4) "Live" interaction. I did think of this, but did not include it in my list for the sole purpose of my personal time is limited with two young kids. Adding live gigs to the studio recordings takes more time away from my kids. If I'm able to record at home, my kids are still with me. I'm a big boundaries person, especially with my kids. So, I have to set some limits. However, you are absolutely right about getting the members together. I'm thinking through some ideas of how to make that happen.

I hope that clarified some things. Please share any additional thoughts. Thanks, again.

**betnich** · 07-07-2010, 02:22 PM

Even better if you had the technology to have them them on the Internet!

But one potential pitfall I see is political - resistance from fellow churches and Pastors. Unfortunate but true. Many are so protective of their ministries and worship teams, so afraid of having their musicians wander off or get poached, so you do need to get their cooperation.

Maybe a Jam/Fellowship "coffeehouse" night at one of the larger churches (or rotating secular/sacred venues) perhaps leading up to a public concert or festival, stressing to local leaders that you are not out to 'steal sheep' from them...

**bjordan1221** · 07-07-2010, 10:24 PM

Sorry, I lost the e-mail you sent me. I've figured out how to do the invitations now so if you want to e-mail me your address I'll send you an invite. Anyone else who is interested just let me know. Put AmericanCSA in the subject bar so I don't overlook it. Thanks, Brandon.

bjordan1221@hotmail.com

**MarkSnyder** · 11-16-2010, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by bjordan1221

Sorry, I lost the e-mail you sent me. I've figured out how to do the invitations now so if you want to e-mail me your address I'll send you an invite. Anyone else who is interested just let me know. Put AmericanCSA in the subject bar so I don't overlook it. Thanks, Brandon.

bjordan1221@hotmail.com

I'm excited. ASCA is starting up a local chapter here in Phoenix. Brad Eberle over at Calvary Community is going to be the local head and provide the host church, and I have been working on my lead Pastor to affiliate. Hoping to light some local songwriting fires here in town! There are some good ones around, thats for sure.

Mark