Over the past decade theres been no shortage of artists trying to reinvent how they deliver their music to fans. Theres been the pay-what-you-want model, although thats been criticized for being an unrealistic option for acts that dont already have a large fan base, not to mention the resources to bankroll recording. On the other end of the spectrum, crowdfunding has been an appealing option for many, but for others it feels a bit too much like charity.
Toronto multi-instrumentalist Justin Small has a different approach. He’s launched a year-long recording experiment, in which he will write and record one song a week, which fans can subscribe to for $1 a song. Its a subtle tweak on the concept of an album, but it allows him to assemble a pretty epic recording from a less daunting angle.
Small is probably best known for his work with spacey Toronto post-rock band Do Make Say Think, who are currently mixing their long-awaited seventh album. He also makes soulful metal in Lullabye Arkestra with his wife Katia Taylor, and records film soundtracks with fellow DMST member Ohad Benchetrit, which gives you some idea of the range of atmospheric guitar music that the series could encompass.
Where did the idea come from?
Adam Marvey, Do Make Say Think’s manager, approached the band about six or seven years ago, around the time our last record, Other Truths, was being promoted. The idea was to offer fans special limited-edition bonus tracks and outtakes and whatever else any member wanted to contribute. But the band was more interested in making records, and at the pace we move, this idea wouldn’t work.
I was cataloguing some material that I did at home and realized that I have been writing a lot of music lately, but I’m also super lazy sometimes. I thought I’d never put this stuff into a record. Then I thought, what about a challenge? What about a song a week with original art, every week, and only new compositions? That could be my “record.”
Are you stockpiling some songs in advance, or forcing yourself to work within that restriction?
The concept stands. One song, original, new that week. I have a few unfinished ideas in the wings that require medium to minimal work to complete but those are my “emergency” songs. You never know what life will throw at you, so in case of catastrophic equipment failure, family emergencies, vacations, and the such, those are in the wings, ready to be massaged and released. But the concept is one new song and art, every week, for a full calendar year, and I intend to stick to it!
Do you have any collaborators on board?
Likely only solo, but you never know.
Have you released any solo music in the past?
Nah, I always hide behind bands. I used to scare myself silly in the past though, and go do open mics. This project kinda fills me with the same excitement and dread!
Are you going to be playing any live solo shows?
I’ve actually thought of that, but it would probably work better as a DJ or laptop set, where I could take different tracks from different songs and make new mixes and mash-ups of them, using only archive stuff. Hmm, that might work, actually.
Is any of this a reaction to the changing music industry, and the shrinking number of people willing to buy music through conventional channels?
Not much I’d say. I’ve never panicked about the changing music industry because it’s always stayed the same for me. I’ve always bought my music, mostly on vinyl, and I’ve always been a part of a community that recognizes that. The music I love has always been somewhat on the fringes, and has always had a huge support team. The music industry is only failing those who don’t take art seriously.
Benjaminb@nowtoronto.com | @benjaminboles
