The 1st annual Project Acoustic kicks off Friday, November 5th with local and non-local musicians coming together for an experience that you won’t find outside anywhere else! Eight bands will take the stage at historic El Rey Theater in Albuquerque, NM to support local music programs and raise awareness of music appreciation. The pre-party is being held at Hallenbrick Brewery November 4th with special appearances by The Iveys, K. Jensen, and Daniel Park. On the bill at El Rey Theater are: The Noms, Asper Kourt, The Real Matt Jones, Meredith Wilder, Poema, Morgan Laurence, Landon Smith, and Ryne Swann. Project acoustic is the brainchild of Helmut Perzi and Matt Witkowski who co-own StageFish Entertainment. We recently got the chance to catch up with Helmut and Matt to find out how Project Acoustic came about.
What is the vision behind Project Acoustic?
Witkowski: I have always loved hearing acoustic music. With my business Sound Era, I deal with different musicians all the time. At a CD release party, Helmut and I discussed putting on our own show and from there, with similar interests; we began blueprinting Project Acoustic under StageFish Entertainment.
Perzi: We wanted to utilize local and non-local musicians and bring them together to perform a unique sound that you usually would not hear at other shows. With our different backgrounds in music, it was a natural relationship waiting to happen. The name says it all.
How were the bands for Project Acoustic chosen?
Witkowski: We started off with musicians we both have worked with and created a list of who we thought would really help launch this project locally.
Perzi: We have some solo performers and some bands. After careful consideration and discussions, we ultimately wanted to bring the best pedigree of music to the stage. We received multiple submissions and took each of them seriously, but we wanted to keep the project intimate.
If someone likes what they hear at Project Acoustic, what are some other venues these bands are playing at in the near future?
Perzi: I would look at each of their websites to see if they are going on tour or playing locally.
What advice do you have for people looking to host their own event?
Witkowski: Plan far ahead. There is never too much time.
Perzi: What Matt said.
Where Does Project Acoustic see itself in two years?
Witkowski:I would like to see it grow locally with more sponsors that would allow us to look at more touring acts.
Perzi: We are looking to expand in 2011 in Seattle and Denver and have already begun negotiations. In 2012, I would like to see it in two more cities.
For additional information on Project Acoustic visit www.projectacoustic.com
Artists Highlights:
The Noms: An acoustic jam band from Albuquerque, The Noms deliver breath-catching solos and gutsy harmonies for a contrast and unity that gives this band a distinct mark. Slated to release their new single in January of 2011 and a new album in Spring 201l, they are creating quite the buzz for their 40 city tour next year!
Asper Kourt: This newly formed group has taken Albuquerque by storm since the fall of 2007 with their fan base rapidly expanding nationwide. In November 2008, they recorded their first EP, Changing Times, with a national release date of February 23, 2009.
The Real Matt Jones : The emphasis in RMJ’s music is on songwriting, vocal ability, and rhythmic nuances. Matt is currently touring with his 2008 release, Passerby, of which 3 songs have had film placements in the movies “Adventures of a Teenage Dragon Slayer” and the documentary “Absent” in 2010.
Meredith Wilder: With exceptional song writing skills and a history as a performing artist, Meredith Wilder is one of Albuquerque’s truly viable recording artists. Her debut self-titled album showcases a variety of styles that will keep listeners entertained and engaged from track 1 to track 13.
Poema: Teen sisters, Shealeen and Elle, were writing and performing strictly as a hobby when they played a couple of original songs at a benefit concert. Poema were signed to Tooth and Nail Records in 2009.
Morgan Laurence: Morgan Laurence is the stage name for which the 18 year-old independent songwriter and producer, Morgan L. Ching, has made himself known. He is local to Albuquerque and is a firm believer in the sharing power of music and art.
Landon Smith: Pop rock artist Landon Smith is capturing listeners with his energetic music loaded with melodic hooks and real emotive value. Landon’s rock songs are catchy, dare you to sing along, and make you want to hit repeat.
Ryne Swann: Ryne Swann is an acoustic artist with an individual flare that is both recognizable and different. While he is only 17, he has a promising career ahead of him with meaningful lyrics and easy to listen to music.
