What's The Story - Everett Sounds, Volume One

We recently released an Everett Music compilation called Everett Sounds Volume One. Twelve Everett bands on one CD. Tyler Chism (the co-founder of Live In Everett) was the driving force behind making the album happen. Here's a little Q&A with the man himself.

Garret: You really spearheaded this project and made it happen. What was your motivation to compile a CD of Everett music? 

Tyler: It's an idea I’ve been kicking around for a little over a year. I’m a musician, in Everett, and adore our music scene. I am so proud to be part of it and watch it grow. When it came time to release another product for the Live in Everett store and this idea came to the table, it stuck. Truthfully, it was you, Garret who pushed me enough to actually do it. This is how we work, you and I. You're the legs behind every good idea. 

Garret: Ah shucks. You're making me blush. How did you choose the artists? 

Tyler: These are all bands that I’ve seen live, or have personally played shows with. Also, I consulted with some other musicians whom I really trust. I sent out emails to 15 or so bands and these are the 12 who sent in songs. We didn’t pick their songs, we let the bands submit what they wanted on the album. So, in a sense, it was curated by all of the bands. 
 

Garret: Were there any artists you wanted to get but couldn’t? 

Tyler: None really. Admittedly. I really wanted the Moondoggies on it, but ran out of time and space for them. Also, I am a huge fan of theirs and was kind of afraid to ask them. Next time…for sure!

Garret: Alex Vincini did an awesome job on the artwork. How did you guys come up with that direction? 

Tyler: Alex is one of my favorite local artists. I didn’t prescribe him with any direction, actually. I just gave him the name of the project, the template for the packaging, a deadline, and let him do his thing. I was intentionally hands off with the design. The project is a celebration of Everett artists and their work. I wanted Alex to bring his vision to it. Not mine. I was blown away with his design. Completely and utterly beaming with a smile when he sent it over. 

Garret: Was this all just a ploy to promote your own band, TELLERS?

Tyler: Yes. Absolutely. Everyone who knows me knows that I am all about self-promotion. Just kidding, anyone who knows me knows I’d rather fly under the radar and not be seen. But, I do play guitar in TELLERS and we’ve worked really hard as a band. It gave me a good perspective on the project, overall. Being a musician on the album and a curator. TELLERS is super stoked to be on it with our track "Punching Bag."

Garret: How has the reaction been to the CD? 

Tyler: It got us on TV! That’s not a joke! For real though, it has been very well-received by the bands and our readers. It’s in the top 10 list of things I am proud of doing. 

Garret: Why would a website about living in Everett make a music CD? 

Tyler: Why not? Live in Everett is all about the good things happening in Everett. We also try to bring 'products' to the shop that will delight our readers and followers. Everyone loves music, and we have a special music scene in Everett. Everett Sounds was a no-brainer. 

Garret: Overall, are you happy with the finished product? 

Tyler: Man, it turned out much better than I thought. I mean, given the talent of the artists, I knew it was going to be a cool project. But, when it was all done, and I listened to the album in its entirety, I was blown away. Anecdotally, the mastering engineer who mastered the record lives in Portland. He called me a week after the project and told me he’s still listening to it everyday. He also said, “Dude, Everett has some killer sounds."

Garret: When does Volume 2 come out? 

Tyler: Late 2017, hopefully!

Garret: Last words? 

Tyler: Floss daily. Flam, rest. Also, some food for thought, without getting too philosophical. Sometimes the weight of an idea is enough to kill a good idea, ya know? This project was a lot of work and moving pieces, but it wasn’t rocket science. Anyone can do this kind of stuff with enough planning and a small budget. I hope that the work we do inspires other artists and community peeps to put out DIY goods like Everett Sounds V1. 

You can buy Everett Sounds here. Every purchase is a vote to make Volume 2 happen in the future. The CD is also available from most of the musicians on the album, the Anchor Pub, and Silvercup Coffee Cafe.

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