Richmond’s music scene is older than many of its current members, and two locals are hoping to highlight both past and present with a daunting new project that aims to unite old and new.
Richmond’s music scene is older than many of its current members, and two locals are hoping to highlight both past and present with a daunting new project that aims to unite old and new.
Paul Ivey of Gouda Mayhem and Brian Dove of Young Scums and Antiphons, have come together to create a collaborative effort that brings together the best of past and present Richmond music.
Mash Notes Vol. 1, according to Ivey, a name derivative of a mash note of Richmond’s music scene writing a letter to itself, aims to be a compilation album of Richmond bands covering other Richmond bands.
“Well it’s actually an idea that I had about three or four years ago,” Ivey said about the process of developing the release. “A few months ago I found out somehow that Brian Dove had the same idea so I said let’s put our brains together and actually make this happen this time.”
Ivey claims the inspiration to do a conceptual cover album came from their admiration for Richmond’s bands and the history of music here.
Dove echoed similar sentiments, saying “I’ve been playing music in Richmond for about five or six years and throughout that time I’ve seen so many bands that have influenced me and the way that I write and play.”
In assembling this album together, the two have had to take leading roles to try and get an album recorded in timely fashion. Dove has taken a role in generating ideas to see what bands want to cover what, meanwhile Ivey has had to organize studio sessions for the bands.
The music itself has been a constant in the process. Ivey claims he’s been blown away with the music and ideas the bands have delivered so far.
Some of the bands and artists who have already recorded and confirmed to be on the album include Prebere (of Prebere and the Substitutes), Microwaves, Pete Curry, Magnus Mush, Gouda Mayhem, Analog House Arrest, Camp Howard, The Wimps and Doll Baby.
The range of Richmond music being covered is wide, spanning different genres and timeframes.
“We’ve got people covering bands from the late 70’s and 80’s and also contemporary stuff – everything from like punk rock to folk, to some electronic stuff,” Dove said. “I think putting it out as an album just helps solidify that.”
Ivey said he’s looking at Mash Notes becoming a series so despite the fact that there are many bands that won’t be able to be featured as cover artists or being covered, there will be ample opportunities down the road.
Although there isn’t a confirmed release date, about two/thirds of the album has been recorded and release ideas are being finalized.
The album will be accompanied by live benefit shows with proceeds going to production and pressing. When the album is ready to be released, there will also be an offical release show.
According to Ivey, they are eyeing the first benefit show for “August or early September”.
Mash Notes Vol. 1 aims to be released on 12 inch vinyl and will be 45 rpm, limiting the amount of music allowed on the tape. “You’re definitely going to get a download code when you buy the vinyl. I want to encourage people to enjoy it in that format because that’s what it’s intended be,” Ivey said.
Ivey and Dove are encouraging others to pick up the idea and run with it, add their own interpretations and develop new concepts. With the momentum of Richmond’s evolving music scene, Mash Notes Vol. 1 will provide a worthy soundtrack that pays tribute to the city.
