It’s been just over a week since I put out the call for all Steemian artists and musicians to join us in marking a forthcoming milestone of the Open-Mic venue. Here is the link to my original post: https://steemit.com/openmic/@passion-ground/open-auditions-for-a-very-special-passion-ground-production

For those interested, I highly recommend reading the above-linked post thoroughly – several times if need be. Doing so will likely answer any questions beyond those that will be answered in this post. If after reading both posts, you still have questions, please, do not hesitate to reach out and ask. I will do my best to answer your questions in a most expedient fashion.

The response to my initial inquiry has been nothing short of OUTSTANDING! I am so stoked about the level of excitement and enthusiasm that the vast majority of artists have relayed to me both publically in the comment section of my initial post, and privately via discord. It really is a most beautiful thing!

Where are we Now?

Right now, we are in the process of assembling a solid working reference track from which all participating artists can lay down their individual tracks!

What you talkin’ bout Willis?

Well, from a technical perspective, we first need to define the basic construct of the collaborative mash-up. That means defining the general rearrangement of the two songs into one, re-working the lyrics, chord structures, keys, and the like - to come up with a brand new mashed-up creation!

Once that’s done, we plan on sending out an mp3 file of this finished “reference track” to all prospective artists, so they can download it, and then record their individual performances based upon such reference.

Obviously, artists who participate must have the capability and wherewithal to download mp3’s into their respective DAW’s (digital audio workstations), and then record a single or succession of individual tracks against that reference track, which can then be isolated, and sent back to us as individual audio files in mp3 format – so that we can then edit and upload those files, to mix, and master those performances into one final finished production!

EDIT: Saturday afternoon edit.
In consulting briefly with the creative team, the technical requirements and file types requested may change. I will keep all artists up to date well in advance on all such changes and requirements.

What about Video?

Adding yet another layer of entertainment and excitement – participating artists are highly encouraged to videotape their individual performance tracks, and send the accompanying mp4 video files along with their mp3 audio files so that the creative team can then create the ultimate “video” compilation of this epic mash-up for the ages!

So, where we at right now, Brother?

Right now, we are still very early in the game. I have produced a very rough and dirty reference track, which needs some timing work in order for it to pass muster for sharing with other artists to lay down their individual tracks. We are currently in the process of fixing those timing issues and getting the reference track ready for prime-time delivery!

Who’s on board, and who is making this all happen?

Okay, so at present, it appears as though the “creative team” is shaping up to comprise me, @verbal-D, @soundlegion, @brimax, @pechichemena, @joseacabrerav, and @premmlinbass. All of these fine artists and digital audio technicians have expressed a passionate interest in assembling a kick-ass reference track from which all other artists can then follow and build upon. I am hoping that within a week or less, that we will have a formidable “reference track” from which to work! I’ll keep you posted on this in future updates.

So, who are the key players on board with this project thus far?

First and foremost is @nathankaye, however, Nathan is currently in the midst of moving his family across a long distance within Australia. So is Verbal-D for that matter – but within Germany, to the best of my knowledge. Nonetheless, both Nathan and Verbal-D have expressed a willingness and level of excitement in participating despite the general challenges associated with “moving” as it were.

We will just have to be patient and wait for them to get settled such that they are in a position to focus their proper attention on the project at their convenience.

Given some of the logistics associated with a few key players, it may be such that we move our “delivery target” toward the 2-year anniversary in September (week #104) vs. the 100-week milestone in August. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all works out. Again, I will keep everyone posted on the timeline targets in forthcoming updates.

Who else has committed to performing on this project?

Wow, on this front, the list is virtually endless! I must say that I am so excited to work with each of the artists who have expressed such commitments toward making this creative process a memorable one!

Let me name just a few of the esteemed artists that have committed to taking part in this epic Open-Mic mash-up:

@soundlegion, @nathankaye, @passion-ground, @pechichemena, @verbal-d, @dreamrafa, @drewsmusic, @shookriya, @alcoholisedbsoul, @belenlopr, @moccamonica, @andreabortone, @etemi, @premmlinbass, @miguelblanco, @steemmatt, @racso, @ylich, @klynic, @orlandogonzalez, @jumpmaster, @carljohn, @mayneth, @brimax, @gibber, @dominiqueguitars, @tribedownsouth, and @ilazramusic…

… That’s just to name a few, mind you… I may have missed some folks, and for that, I apologize. Do reach out and let your wishes be known! However, I suspect there will be many more artists to follow, and each and every one of you are more than welcome to participate and toss your artistry into the mix!…

So, what’s the big idea?

At this particular point in the process, the basic idea is to get a solid mash-up “reference track” in place from which all artists can then add their individual performances – thereby creating a whole new interpretation of the two-song mash-up in honor of the Open-Mic milestone!

What are the two songs that will comprise this Epic Mash-Up?

First up is “Everyday People” by Sly and the Family Stone:

The second song in the mash-up is, Tell The Truth, by Eric Clapton:

Once the newly established “reference track” is completed by the “creative team,” this mash-up reference track comprising the above two classics will be sent out via email to all those with a committed and express interest in adding their artistic influence into the ultimate mix!

It sounds complicated!

Yes, I know, it “sounds” complicated, but it’s not!

The creative team will be doing all of the heavy lifting! As far as individual artists and contributors are concerned, all you guys need to do is to have the capability to upload the finished reference track, record your individual tracks playing or singing along to the reference, and then forward your isolated solo performances by way of individual audio tracks in mp3 format back to the creative team for mixing, editing, and mastering. It’s that simple!

In closing, I wish to thank all of those who have taken the initiative to be part of this mega-collaboration, and especially to all of those individuals who have offered to come to bat on the creative end in getting this reference track together.

I will keep everyone posted as to the status of this project going forward. It is my hope that we will be able to meet the required deadline in delivering a finished product no later than the 2-year anniversary of the Open-Mic Venue.

Peace, Love, and Justice for All

@passion-ground