I'm posting this because I'm considering starting a project. If I happen to find the right person or people, I will move forward with it. If I don't, I won't.
My name is Todd Lorenz. i've been making music in some way, shape or form for over 30 years. I've been a solo acoustic artist for around 20. I have written over 120 songs, many of which are available here on my web site. Before you respond to this ad, please take some time to listen. Chances are if you don't like what you hear, we won't be compatible.
Admittedly, I haven't had any real commercial success. However, an idea has been percolating for quite some time. I think there might be bookings to be had. I've never been much of one for cover songs, but I'd like to get some musicians together to do acoustic versions of popular songs and hit the bar/club scene in and around Madison. As a solo artist, bars were never much of market. I think that there may be a place for a duo, trio, or more that plays a variety of material adapted to an acoustic format. I know the 90s saw the coming and going of the whole unplugged thing, but I believe there's an audience out there who enjoys acoustic music done well that doesn't want to get their eardrums blown out by excessively loud PAs and amps.
What material would be covered, you ask? My first thought is blues and classic rock because that's the type of stuff I grew up enjoying. However, songs would be agreed upon by all those involved, or at least by a majority vote. I would also like to do different arrangements whenever possible. For example, I think "Whole Lotta Rose" by AC/DC would sound fantastic as a mid-tempo blues/shuffle. I can literally hear it in my head. However, something like "Free Falling" by Tom Petty doesn't seem to leave much room for tinkering, aside from the instrumentation. If you're familiar with the band Hayseed Dixie, this is almost what I have in mind. I just have no desire to make everything into a bluegrass song. Arrangements would really depend on the players.
So, who am I hoping to find? Players of different instruments and styles; folks who can also sing would be great. I expect that I'd take some lead vocals, but if there are people who are better at it than I am, I will have no problem deferring. Ideally, having 2 or 3 people who can sing lead and play an instrument would be great. Harmony vocals are also always a plus. If you're a singer who sings and doesn't play and you like this idea, I'd still like to talk to you. I play guitar, and lots of slide guitar. I'd like to find people who play fiddle/violin, mandolin, banjo, bass, and some kind of percussion. I don't think a full drum set would be appropriate. A cajon player would be wonderful, or even someone who can just take a phonebook and a pair of brushes and make it work. Another guitar player would be fine, but isn't necessarily a priority.
The goal would be to gig and make money. Simple. Having fun is great, working with others can be stimulating, and obviously, we'd all have to get along. But, I would want to get together 3-4 sets worth of material as quickly as possible, get gigs and approach this in a professional manner. I live just outside Monroe, WI which is about an hour south of Madison. i have an outbuilding than can be used as rehearsal space, but I'm open to going elsewhere, depending on the circumstances. I also have a small PA system that works for me alone, and might for 1 or 2 other people, but that's it. Hopefully, any venues would have their own PA.
That's the idea in a nutshell. If it sounds interesting to you, drop me a line and we'll talk about it.
Take care.