If It's February, It Must Be Time To Make An Album

by Bob Boilen

If you do something three times, I think it's fair to call it a ritual. Every February for the past two years, I've written and recorded an entire album from scratch with my musical soulmate, Michael Barron.

It's all part of something called the RPM Challenge, the motto of which reads, "Record an album in 28 days, just because you can." The group's other mantra: "Anyone can find an excuse, so don't."

As a musician, I have to say it's liberating and exhausting, daunting and exhilarating. It may also be the most fun I have all year. There are no prizes; the reward is your art.

So do it. Here are the details.

Here I am, speaking from my house via Skype to an audience of RPM faithful at its home in Portsmouth, N.H., after finishing my 2007 challenge.

Once again, we'll select some favorites from the challenge an put them on Second Stage, our daily Web site for new and mostly unsigned artists.

9:47 AM ET | 01-30-2009 | permalink

comments |