JREF Volunteer Idea

[CJW]

Although I am mostly a lurker, I have been reading the JREF forum since its inception. Perhaps like many of you, I am interested in furthering the JREF cause, but don’t always have the time or money. An idea came to me that I thought might be of interest to the JREF.

I am a part time musician and songwriter. I thought it might be interesting to have JREF members and forum users collaborate on a skeptical-themed music CD of original material that can be donated to the JREF. The sales of the CD can be used to fund JREF activity, or perhaps be earmarked to cover forum related expenses. The songs could also be offered for download from JREF as well. By using original material, JREF wouldn’t have to pay for song licenses, and it would be great opportunity to show off our talents. Ideally this would be more than just a vanity project, with music that appeals to skeptics and other like-minded people beyond the JREF.

In order for this project to be a success, we would need at least 10 songs. The songs and their copyrights would be donated to the JREF, who would have exclusive distribution of the material. We would probably need a volunteer contribution from someone to serve as a producer who can mix and master the final tracks. Also, The JREF should probably have the final say on what material would be included and the final CD can be released at the next Amaz!ng Meeting (time permitting).

I would be willing to donate time to the completion of this project by collaborating on music and lyrics with any interested volunteers. I’m not sure If I can lead this project since my organizational skills are somewhat lacking but I would be willing to give it my best shot. I know there are probably details I am overlooking that might make this whole thing impractical, but I wanted to put this out there for discussion to see if it’s
a good idea. Also, I’m not always plugged into the forum, but I’ll respond to this thread as best I can.

Thanks,
Chris Walter

[Brown]

Well, I can write lyrics, but I have no experience with writing music. I play three instruments, none of them well, and I am forbidden from singing in public by the provisions of the Geneva Convention that outlaw infliction of torture upon others.

Anyway, would you be interested in lyrics that you (or someone else) could set to music?

[Lord Kenneth]

....skeptical polka?

[shanek]

I can write songs, as long as I write the music and lyrics together, or write lyrics from the music. But I can't write music from lyrics. Don't ask me why.

[CJW]

Hopefully, this idea will gain a critical mass of interested people, then from within that pool, we can hook up according to what everyone's interests and abilities are.

I have a small digital home studio & can record songs & burn them to a CD or MP3, I can sing fairly well within a narrow range, but my vocals are not professional quality. I can offer my assistance in putting music to lyrics, vice versa and then recording a song that may be good enough to serve as a finished product.

With the advent of digital home recording, it may be possible for people to record various parts to music, send them around and have others finish them up. Just some ideas. Thanks for your interest.

Chris

[kittynh]

Hmm, Chris, I know some of the forum members have their own CD's, so there is talent out there. Do you have a CD of your own?? Just fishing for the unofficial JREF auction that will be on the forum in August. If you want to contribute, PM me.

[jj]

Would parodies qualify?

[DrMatt]

I'd consider a non-exclusive royalty-free license, but not donation of the copyright.