One of the great by-products of having my music store has been the fact
that many people look on the store as somewhat of a resource centre. I have people who come in all the time to ask questions
about various aspects of the music industry and how they can participate in it. One of the most frequent questions I am asked
is – How do I record a CD?
This is not a question that has a simple answer and given the fact that
we produce and duplicate CD’s through our company Miramichi River Productions, I’m not going to let too many secrets
out of the bag. I will however, give you some insight on the process and how we should look at such a project.
I am always amazed at the quality of musicianship that exists here on the
Miramichi. All you need to do is go to any house party to hear some of the best musicians in the area. Unfortunately, these
musicians as well as songwriters and performers are sometimes guilty of not looking at their craft with a more global view.
This holds true many times, far too many times, with people who are looking to get into a recording project.
A recording project can be a big investment in time and sometimes, money.
It is not something that should be taken lightly and certainly not something that should limit itself to a simple local market.
The abilities of the musicians, songwriters and entertainers here in Miramichi
are every bit as good, and in many cases better than in any market in the Maritimes, bar none! But we have to convince
ourselves of that first. The biggest job of all is to convince the people that are making this great music that they can tap
into a bigger market with their product. However, they, in turn, have to prepare their product for the larger market.
This leads me to the answer to the question – How do I record a CD?
The first answer is a question – Why do you want to record a CD?
There is no wrong answer to this, but it is the most critical question, which must be answered because all ensuing
planning will be determined by the answer to this question.
I think the answer to this question should be … because I want to
share my music with everyone that wants to listen. That means you are prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to make
sure your product is ready for a market that transcends the boundaries of this river.
Why shouldn’t we all look at it that way? We have the ability and
talent to do so. Is it because we lack the confidence in ourselves to think that people outside our circle of friends and
family would be willing to spend money to take our music home? If that is the case then why invest your time and money in
a recording project? As people who choose to live here in Miramichi, the centre of the universe for many reasons, we cannot
and should not limit ourselves to thinking our product is not good enough for anyone else to enjoy.
Miramichi music in many forms has been enjoyed by audiences’ world-wide
for over a hundred years. It has influenced many prolific and successful songwriters of today. Don’t believe me? Well,
here is just one case that proves my point.
I am sure most people will agree with me when I say that one of the most
successful songwriters of the last 50 years, if not 100 years, has been Bob Dylan. His world-wide network of fans encompasses
music lovers of all kinds and includes some of the most successful and well-respected performers of today. By all accounts
and measuring sticks, he has succeeded in the music industry.
Many people do not realise that a song written in the early 60’s
by Bob Dylan has roots here in Miramichi. The Ballad of John White, written and recorded by Bob was based on a traditional
Miramichi Folksong written in the 1880’s. Peter Emberley, a true story about a young Prince Edward Island boy
who was killed in a tragic lumbering accident on Parker’s Ridge and written by John Calhoun of Boiestown formed the
basis for Bob Dylan’s song. Bob acknowledges this in the liner notes of the album it was featured on. Miramichi music
is not good enough for a larger market? I think not!
Listen people, if you have a talent for writing, playing or performing
don’t limit yourself by thinking that no one outside this area will want to listen and enjoy it. Is it an easy task?
No, it’s damn hard. But think of the time you spend honing your craft.
