This Sunday, the Iron Horse Music Hall will host a behemoth show for the release party of the “Valley Rising Compilation Album,” a record which will feature a dozen independent music artists native to Northampton. Out of the 12 featured artists, 11 will perform at the show. While 75 percent of the proceeds go directly back to the musicians, 25 percent will go to benefit the Northampton Community Music Center.
The artists involved in the project and set to perform on Sunday are: Darlingside, The Sun Parade, Lux Deluxe, Heather Maloney, Doug Ratner & The Watchmen, Wolfman Conspiracy, Infinite August, The Raft, Sandy Bailey, Dave Dersham and Joshua Meltzer.
The “Valley Rising” compilation is the brainchild of musician Jamie Kent, leader of local band The Options. Two years ago, Kent started The Collective Music Group, what Kent calls a Kickstarter-like “micro-financing” model for his music. While The Options were touring the U.S. in the fall, Kent met many new musicians from the Pioneer Valley region, and he began to conceive of a combined effort between a large group of bands and artists from Northampton and the surrounding area.
“I began to notice a new wave of music emerging in the valley – new bands popping up all over the place with killer songs and recordings that easily deserve national exposure. So I thought: how could we all join forces to really make this scene come alive?”
Jamie Kent and the Options’ song “Isabella” will be featured on the compilation. Kent likens the organized effort to “a real life Pandora,” offering up a taste of the creative efforts by regional musicians while also establishing a network for those musicians to potentially share shows, fans, business ideas and more.
String rock quintet Darlingside will also be featured on the album with its “Good Man,” the album opener from their self-produced debut “EP 1.” The members of Darlingside met while attending Williams College in Williamstown, and afterwards based their efforts out of a single apartment in Hadley. They jumped at the idea for the Valley Rising compilation.
“It’s always inspiring to share the stage with like-minded musicians, and usually you get to do that with one or two acts. With 12 groups sharing the stage, I think it’s going to be a similar feeling – but that much more awesome,” said Darlingside guitarist and vocalist Don Mitchell.
Doug Ratner & The Watchmen, a self-proclaimed “down and dirty rock ‘n’ roll” band based out of Springfield, will have their laidback rocker “Ahead Along” from their debut album “Eye To Eye” on the Valley Rising compilation. Bandleader Doug Ratner says it feels great to work ethic and dedication to their craft recognized by such an esteemed gathering of musical minds. He also acknowledges the amazing creative environment the area has provided for his band and other musicians.
“We all went to the same high school, but at different years, which is pretty cool,” says Ratner. “It’s always a supportive community and it feels amazing to be part of this conglomeration of great talent.”
While this will be the first Valley Rising compilation, according to a press release, Kent has high hopes for the endeavor. He’s even hoping to make it an annual event, featuring new bands and artists every year and providing more exposure and presence for deserving musicians.
“[Kent] envisions the loose-knit confederation of local musicians will be able to pool resources – fan bases, business ideas, shared stages – in ways that will help all the groups move forward,” says the press release.
Artwork for the compilation album was designed by Christopher Millette, a local artist and former Arts Council Grant recipient. Millette’s work will be on display at the show as well. The project is supported by The Northampton Arts Council, O’Connell Care at Home and 93.9 The River.
“How often do you get 11 of the best local acts under one roof, and for under $15?” says Kent. “This show/album is going to give valley music appreciators an amazing taste of the current music scene developing in their backyards, and is seriously going to be a night to remember.”
Tickets are available for $12.50 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information, visit iheg.com.
Dave Coffey can be reached at [email protected].
