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The Originals Project

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Now that the EC tribute tape is winding up, it's time to announce the "originals" project.

Q. What's the object of this?

A. To gather a collection of original songs written by members of the Elvis Costello mailing list. We'll see whether the influence of one of the greatest living songwriters has any real affect on his biggest fans.

Q. Does this project have a name?

A. As a project name that quotes an EC lyrics, and perfectly complements the tribute tape title Brilliant Mistakes, I humbly suggest:

"ORIGINAL SINS"

Q. Who may enter?

A. Like the Brilliant Mistakes tape, this is open to members of the Elvis Costello mailing list only.

Q. What is the deadline?

A. The FINAL deadline is 14 October 1996.

Q. Where do we send the tapes?

A. To Mark Schnitzius, 1280 West Peachtree Street NW, Apartment 1507, Atlanta, GA 30309.

Q. What are you looking for in the way of original songs?

A. None of this is set in stone; however, preference is for new original work over past work that you happen to have around. Also would prefer work written (or co-written) by you as opposed to you playing or singing a song written by a band you happen (or happened) to be in. Write about whatever you want to; but, if you like, make a subtle reference to Elvis in your song. Submit a maximum of two songs.

Q. How about sound quality?

A. We will accept just you singing a capella into a boom box mic if that's what it takes to get you to participate. The emphasis here is on the song, not the sound. Of course, better sound is preferred if you have the equipment available to do it.

Q. What about copyright notices?

A. This is a much bigger issue than on the tribute tape. I'm not sure exactly how to handle this, other than maybe enforcing that some sort of copyright notice be distributed with each tape that's sent down the tape tree. This also means that using a pseudonym is probably a bad idea. I can assure you that neither I nor anyone chosen for distributing the tape tree will make any profit off this project; however, there is still a legitimate concern about songs or lyrics being stolen, so I don't see any alternative to distributing some strict copyright notice.

When last I brought this up, the consensus seemed to be that it won't be that big a deal.

Q. Now then, what else needs to be done before this all comes together in a finished product?

A. First, I need to gauge the level of interest. Send an email to schnitzi@east.isx.com if you think you might want to participate. This is not a formal promise on your part that you will indeed participate; we will not send Luis around to break your thumbs if you don't.

Second, we need cover art.

Third, we need to organize the tape tree (branches and leaves).

Fourth, I don't know if we can impose upon Hugh and Dana again, but it would be nice to have this all mastered in a similar way to the Brilliant Mistakes tape.


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