music

G H

As an independent songwriter who is, by necessity, also starting up an independent record label, I am inviting you to become a part of the process of determining which songs will make it to my first fully produced album release. How do you do this? Simple: go to the ‘listen’ page and listen to two, three, or even all eleven tracks - then send me an email with your vote!

It’s as easy as that!

Why am I doing this?

First - for speedier decision making, and second - for more realistic budgeting.

As a lifelong songwriter, I accept that my own judgement is naturally flawed in my favor. I am always in love with whatever I have just written; it takes me a few years of distance to determine whether or not a song really stands up to the test of time. This is not a particularly efficient way to make decisions, so I am asking you to help me decide -> Listen and cast your votes here!

The Long Term Project:

The Demo Listening Derby is designed to run for the next year - from Fall Strawberry to Fall Strawberry (aka this labor day to labor day 2011). During this time, I will release three hand-pressed, short run volumes of between 10 and 15 songs. After getting your input and paying attention to the songs you are listening to online, I’ll be able to choose the highest ranked songs from from each one and go into the studio to produce them with full arrangements. (!)

I am still figuring out how to finance this project. I am offering hand pressed Demo Derby Discs that look like old 45s, with a variety of artwork in plastic sleeves, on a by-donation basis. These are available wherever I play live, and the songs on them are all available at www.mandalynmay.bandcamp.com (or just click the Demo Derby links throughout this site.)

Bandcamp is cool because you can listen to all the songs for free, and set your own price for downloads - so during the demo derby, you will have the option of downloading for free.

Check out Sustainable Sound Recordings - website in progress - to follow how the label develops;)