I know, I know — I must be crazy. You think I should what? Record a record?! In one month (a 29 day month at that)? Write and record an album (CD, record, whatever) containing at least 10 tracks or is at least 35 minutes long within the month of February — that is the RPM Challenge and the challenge I issue to you.
Don’t Wait.
Don’t wait. Don’t think that ideas will come to you at some point. Do it. By doing this you’ll come upon ideas you never would otherwise. By committing to writing and creating a record, you’ll find the content you’re looking for — even if it just means filling a quota.
But I…
Anyone can come up with an excuse to say “no,” so don’t. Many of you are thinking “But, I can’t do that! I don’t have any songs/recording gear/money/blah blah blah…” But this doesn’t have to be the album, it’s just an album. Remember, this is an artistic exercise. Just do your best using what you have in order to get it done. If you have a four-track, become a four-track badass! An iPhone, a computer, a Walkman, an 80’s tape recorder – use it. Do your best. Use the limitations of time and gear as an opportunity to explore things you might not try otherwise. If you can afford studio time in a “real” studio, fine, but let’s be completely free of any lingering idea that “good” records can only be made in a studio.
Well written, honest music is compelling and undeniable no matter what it was recorded on. So put it to tape.
Remember:
This doesn’t have to be THE big record. This is just A record. Consider it an exercise. Maybe it’ll be awesome, maybe it won’t, but hey — at the end of the month you will have recorded an album. An album! You’ll have something really cool to show for it!
Is anyone else crazy enough to do this?
Well, yeah, the RPM Challenge is run internationally with thousands of participants. Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, The Scope (based out of St. John’s) has lead the charge for the past few years with over 100 records being made. You aren’t alone and there is tons of help available.
And the details.
Adapted lovingly from our friends at The Scope.
• Record 10 songs or 35 minutes of original music in 29 days. (It’s a leap year!) Just because you can.
• This is not a contest!
• This will be fun!
• There is no fee!
• Record 10 songs or 35 minutes material, and burn it to CD.
• When it’s finished, you can also drop it off in person at our drop-off box by noon, March 1. Dropbox location will be announced soon.
• Recording can only be done in the month of February. No prerecorded songs.
• All material must be previously unreleased, and we encourage you to write the material during February too, but it’s not against the rules to record previously written material.
• Registered participating bands and musicians can make their own page at www.rpmchallenge.com. You also blog away to your heart’s content, or post to the discussion board where you can swap ideas, resources, and the ability to e-mail and private message other participants.
• When the month is over, there will be a local listening party where music from each completed album will be played.
• All the completed albums can be uploaded to the jukebox on the website. If you’d rather not share your work with the public, then no one needs to hear it but you. But what’s the fun in that?
For more information or to sign up, visit www.rpmchallenge.com.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact Tom at tom@cornerbrooker.com. For updates on the local RPM challenge, check cornerbrooker.com/rpm throughout February!
