RPM Challenge is one of those brilliant things in life that asks for nothing but energy, creativity and passion and in return delivers it all back to us ten fold. It is a challenge to musicians of all genres and skill levels to write and record an entire album in the month of February. It sounds like a daunting task, and frankly it is, however it has also proven to be completely doable. Not just for music veterans but for musical newbies like myself.
In 2006 I signed up for this crazy challenge along with 170+ other people/bands. In a fit of a few afternoons/evenings I managed to pull off 10 improvisational saxophone movements and completed the challenge with about 6 hours to spare. Due to the success of its inaugural year and the enthusiasm from the 2006 participants the challenge grew quite a bit last year (2007). Bands from every continent signed up. Yes every continent. Over 850 albums were completed and thousands of musicians participated. In fact, that music is all online and available for your listening pleasure right now. And some pretty darn good media coverage came out of it as well.
The community built around the web site is also quite impressive. Buzzing with activity all year long, well past the end of last years challenge. In just a small example of community building, one enterprising participant named Mick even put together a boxed set compilation of 6 CD's . The boxed set of music came from various RPM artists 2007 entries and he mailed out those boxed sets to numerous participants. All organized through the website. As I write this 27 bands are currently logged on and doing something on the web site.
A lesser known fact is that this isn't a for profit venture, there are no entry fees, and sponsorship is less than minimal. This is 100% from the heart and it shows. Everyone working on the project in an administrative capacity is a volunteer and most are musicians themselves.
So now it is a new year and a new challenge. Its been 24 hours since sign ups started and without even an announcement there are 120+ registered bands from every corner of the globe. We have a few weeks now to muster up the energy and kick this thing off right. I have once again signed up and as of right now have no clue what I will be doing. I am excited as all hell though, and have vowed to spread the word to anyone who will listen. This year RPM Challenge will have thousands of people participating. Original music will be made, inspiration will be had and lives will be changed. If you have ever wanted to learn an instrument - this is the time. If you have ever wanted to start a band - make it happen. If you have always wished you had continued to play the piano - today is the day. It doesn't need to be perfect. Indeed it wont be. But you will be so proud of what you have done, and you will have made friendships in the process that will propel you to your dreams.
What about the rest of the world - the non-musicians and the supporters? It is your duty to spread the word. Tell everyone you know, send notes to your local TV stations, blog about it and make lots of noise. RPM Challenge 2008 will make history. Make sure you're a part of it.
Small technical note: The Jukebox playing 8500+ original tracks is powered by Adobe Flex and is pretty darn cool.
