Community Goodness: The Boston Singers Project
You guys know how I feel about community and music. You also probably know how I feel about collaborative projects bringing people together through music. Well, The Boston Singer’s Project curated by Andy Santospago is a perfect example of this. I caught up with Andy to tell us all about it and man, its really cool. Check it below!
1) So, for those who dont know you…tell us your personal story. Who you are, what your music is like. etc
AS: I am a multi-instrumentalist songwriter & performer. I grew up in Massachusetts and have lived and performed in the Boston area for the last 15 years as a sideman, solo artist and band member. My principle instrument is guitar but I also play banjo, mandolin and lap steel. These instruments work really well in roots bands and with singer songwriters, so I do a good amount of work in that style but I’m happy to play bluegrass, jazz or rock as well. In terms of songwriting I am most influenced by melodic older stuff: American song book, British invasion, wacky songwriters such as John Martyn and Harry Nillson. In slightly more contemporary terms I admire the range of groups like Beck and Wilco as well as some newer singer songwriters I hear left of the dial. I aim to capture a bit of all that in my music, trying to hear where the song wants to go regardless of style. In many ways this makes my music fun for me and hopefully the listener, it also makes it a tough sell.
2) Now, clue us in about the project.
AS: I started The Boston Singers Project (http://thebostonsingersproject.tumblr.com) in January and will continue to work on it throughout the year. Summary: 12 of my original songs released via the web, 1 song per month throughout the year 2014, each by a different singer with Boston ties. The components include a blog which is marketed through social media, email lists etc. This blog will serve as a spotlight on the singer and anything they would like to promote.
3) Why did you start the project?
AS: I am fascinated with the subtle and profound ways songs change as they pass through different hands, especially since some of the songs I write are better served by a different singer. Secondly I wanted to get involved in something that would give me a launching pad and structure for songwriting while also serving as a promotional tool for all of the artists involved. My hope is that it will foster community building/collaboration between area songwriters, engineers and venues.
4) Has it been interesting to see what folks come up with? Are they a far cry from your original compositions? Have you given folks free reign to take the song on how they want?
AS: I am really encouraged with the progress; I have rallied some great artists, got lots of listens/fans and have generally had even more enthusiasm then I expected from both listeners and performers. The songs thus far have stayed true to the original core feeling but at the same time they have been elevated by the way the songs have been interpreted and channeled by the singer. Each artist has their own trademark sound; the subtle melodic nuances on long notes, the articulation and even the occasional misinterpreted lyric. I have given folks a long runway in terms of how they approach the vocal – that’s the fun, mysterious, mind blowing element of it. I don’t have the inclination or budget to micromanage.
5) This is obviously a “community building” focused project with your friends covering you. Boston/Cambridge has really developed a strong community in the folk/roots music grouping of artists. How have you seen that evolve over the years?
AS: I first became aware of the collaborative potential of the Boston/Cambridge scene when I started sitting in with Rose Polenzani’s Sub Rosa series at the Lizard Lounge. This was an amazing period of time for me, it exposed me to a lot of great songwriters who entrusted me to accompany them and returned the favor when I sang a tune. Several of the folks I met are now helping me out with songs in my project. I am also very pleased to see outfits like Red Line Roots initiate projects like “locals covering locals”, weekly reviews and year end awards. It’s encouraging to see people accomplish things in this tenuous artistic climate. It’s even better when accomplishments are made with the goal of serving the music/art community. Everybody wins.
6) Any plans for another round of these in the future?
AS: I love this project and would do it forever if I could. I have placed songs in films and written songs for bands. I would like to start writing for other artists on a regular basis. I’m open to doing this work again, but maybe on a case by case basis. I am sad that there are still so many singer friends that for one reason or another I couldn’t match up with a song. I have more than 12 friends who are great singers, not a bad problem!
7) Finally, plug anything else you want that is coming up.
AS: This project will be culminating in an album release show towards the end of 2014 at Club Passim. Stay tuned! —
thebostonsingersproject.tumblr.com
