The Project

About

A music documentary created by Matt Jones, preserved in partnership with the Archives of Michigan. The endgame of the Anthology is preservation; putting as many Michigan musicians on the books as possible, “the books” being the Archives of Michigan, with whom an agreement has been reached to preserve the entire collection in perpetuity. Along the way, it became clear that just the audio from these sessions was not enough.

Context

Context is essential to a good story, and in order to make The River Street Anthology multi-dimensional, measures are being taken to round out the experience. Videographers Steve Holmes and Charles Steen have attended many sessions, documenting the sessions on film. All contributors are being asked to write a brief article, explaining the reasons behind why they chose the particular song they recorded. Music writers from all parts of the state will be tapped to compose essays on various topics related to the various music scenes and genres of Michigan. Photographers from all corners of the state will be taking portraits of the artists, and drawings and paintings will be included in the artwork for the final package.

On the road

While there are no rules as to the material the artists bring to the sessions, there are parameters in place to ensure a live, raw, and intimate performance: one mic, one song, one take. Entirely recorded on a Tascam DP-02 digital 8 track, through one cheap condenser mic in the middle of the room, the songs recorded in this River Street basement will add up to one sound in the end- the sound of the state they were conceived in. Keep updates with most recent recording and upcoming session via The River Street Anthology Facebook page.