photo by Scott Yates
To most of us, February is the coldest, darkest, dreariest month of the year. But, to a global community of RPM musicians, it’s a period of frenzied creativity, self-imposed insomnia, and brand new music. It’s Record Production Month.
The 11th annual RPM Challenge kicks off on Feb. 1. Starting on that date, RPM participants from around the world will have 28 days to record at least 10 songs or 35 minutes of original music, just for the hell of it. Over the last decade, thousands of local and international acts have produced tens of thousands of songs for RPM.
A kick-off event for this year’s participants takes place on Saturday, Jan. 30, in Kittery, Maine. The “Gear Up!” event is a chance for area musicians to buy, sell, or swap equipment and ideas before RPM drops the needle on this year’s challenge.
Musicians with gear to sell must reserve a space at the “Gear Up!” Facebook event page, or by emailing GearUpSeacoast@gmail.com. The event takes place from 12-4 p.m. at the Second Christian Congregational United Church of Christ at 33 Government St.
Completed RPM albums will be celebrated with a listening party on March 12 at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth. Tracks from every newly completed local album will be played.
To register for the 2016 RPM Challenge and get more information, visit rpmchallenge.com.