February is for Making Records (RPM)

February is for Making Records
Vol. 4/Issue 2

January here in Virginia has been frigid. We even got three inches of snow two weeks ago, after last winter being snow-free.

February is right around the corner and with it comes another RPM Challenge. Last year was my first year of participation. I ended up producing a full-length record over the 28 days of the month.

If you don’t know what RPM is, it stand for Record Production Month. The goal is to record and release original music during February. Participants set their own goal for release length. RPM is a global affair, with releases being made all over the world. Since 2006 when it started, tens of thousands of albums and close to 100,000 tracks have been created.

Last year’s original goal was for a five-song EP. Instead, I got rolling and recorded a 10-song full-length called Home Sweet Home

This year, rocking a full-time day job, I’m opting for the slightly shorter five-song EP format.  I’ve already started working on new songs and have at least two songs pretty much written.  Since I often write on the acoustic guitar, the challenge usually involves adding drums, guitar, and vocals and any other effects. As a one-man-band kind of artist, I play all the instruments on my records.

Over the course of the past few years, the music biz has shifted. Singles are now the preferred means of releasing new material. I released new singles across October, November, and December, so I’m really looking forward to having a multiple song release again.

Stay tuned to my socials for previews and updates throughout the month. If you aren’t receiving the newsletter, sign up to become one of the growing legion of JimBaumerME fans and know whenever there’s new events or releases on the horizon.

Yours in (indie) rock,

JimBaumerME

Cover Song Fridays (Elliott Smith)

Over the past four years, I’ve developed a three-hour set of songs, many being my own songs I’ve written, but I also play some covers.

I’ve never been one to learn a bunch of songs by some other artist. However, if forced to play covers out of necessity, I’m going to play songs by people I really like. Elliott Smith is one of them.

This is my 2nd Cover Song Friday since I’ve gotten rolling.

This one is “Rose Parade” and I’m happy with this version; recording on my back deck.

Will try to do one of these each Friday.