Eau Claire not only has a thriving live music scene, but there are many avenues to listen to local musicians outside of concerts. Over the years an arts magazine called Volume One was created. This magazine shares shows in the area and highlights musicians among other people and events in the Chippewa Valley. Soon after they opened a shop called, The Local Store. Shoppers can find local CD’s and vinyl for purchase here in store or online.
Recently, in the last few years, the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire started up a radio station. The station, 99.9, plays music from Chippewa Valley musicians, midwest musicians and beyond throughout Western Wisconsin. Originally deemed Blugold Radio, reflecting the University’s mascot, but recently changed it’s name to Converge Radio. Their motto is ‘A Place To Come Together’. It encourages local musicians, artists and creators of all kinds to come together and collaborate. Music genres include: indie, alt. rock, folk, metal, punk, classics and more, giving the community a variety of new tunes to discover.
Now, Chippewa Valley area musicians have another wonderful opportunity to share their music. Local music is available for all, via Sawdust City Sounds – a new online music platform hosted by The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. Anyone can stream albums on this new platform, but library card holders have access to download and keep material. Thanks to the library’s endowment fund anyone can now access local music! So, if you weren’t able to make it out to shows before, couldn’t afford albums or whatever may have stopped you from checking out local tunes – you’ll still have the opportunity to experience some extraordinary music from the Valley.
Right now the library is accepting submissions from area musicians. They’ll be putting out two submission times per year, once in the winter and once in the summer. All genres are welcome, but library peeps are specifically interested in musicians currently performing and writing music in the Eau Claire area. To stay current, they ask that your submitted work is no older than five years, oh, and your album needs at least seven songs. Not quite sure why the seven songs thing is necessary, but hey the more music the merrier right?!
If you’re a part of a band and you have a solo project you’re welcome to submit both. However, one or both may or may not be chosen. They’re only accepting 25 albums at this time, so a jury comprised peeps from the library and local music community will review submissions. Once accepted you’ll sign a licensing agreement and you’ll be rewarded with a one-time honorarium per album. If your album is not selected at this time you can always re-submit during another open submission time.
Sawdust City Sounds is a great way to get those who may not attend shows or purchase many albums the opportunity to experience local music in the Eau Claire area. It will give people a chance to listen to some tunes perhaps before purchasing an album. Lastly, it’s another way for musicians in the community to share their hard work and passion with those around them.
Want to submit your music? Fill out this form on the Sawdust City Sounds site.
Logo Art Credit – Odd Brand Strategy