OpenFolk

OpenFolk seeks to promote alternative contexts for the music and art of the people and for the people.

It is clear that the music/art/media/entertainment "industry" is not representative, and in fact, is just using and abusing human nature/creativity. There is no broad choice or access to music and art via the mainstream media, and there are few opportunities for those who would like to make their creative work available to others.

OpenFolk is attempting to facilitate and implement a new model of music and art that is more integrated with our communities and lives. Basically, we don't need celebrities and we don't need the idol making machine. That's all hype for profit and greed.

Nevertheless, it is important to understand the present business of music and art so as not to be misinformed or technologically disadvantaged. The present system can be used as needed while the alternatives are worked out.

OpenFolk also facilitates artist development and exposure. The difference is that the artist/musician/writer should take ownership of their own creative, expressive, and promotional program. OpenFolk will provide free guidelines and the OpenFolk community will provide free support and opportunities.

Fee-based services will also be available to artists who need direct assistance with their projects. Basically, anything that requires the time, energy, and expertise of a facilitator will have to be paid for. These services include online and conventional promotion, as well as recording, photographic, and video services, and educational and development services.

For new developments and updates: http://www.openfolk.net

Doc Higgins
Founder, Director, and Producer

Some Other Kinda Notes ....
2011 01 30

I wanted to pass along a bit of info about the why of OpenFolk. This part has to do with community and technology.

There are a lot of definitions of "folk" as it may be used in folk music or folk art.

The reference to "of the people" is closest to the OpenFolk view. This exceeds stylistic bounds.

OpenFolk is open to all that comes from the people; in particular, the average folk in our communities, and it is open to all styles.

Technology changes things, and the way we do things. The advent of recorded music and radio changed the way music was integrated with society. From live performance and travelling shows, to magically transmitted audio/video, and permanent personal collections to play and replay.

Unfortunately, those who sought to profit from the media systems that arose, have basically pulled music away from the common creative energy and have fed music back to the masses in a very controlled manner.

The Internet, and the inexpensive availability of higher quality equipment, are part of the new media system that will allow the next major change by helping "folk" get back to the "folks".

Communities and people in communities can now do it themselves. At one level, people can gather to do music and art locally. Then, using new media, their work can be shared with whomever in the world would like to access and enjoy it.

- - - Doc Higgins - - -

2011 02 25

Check out this prophetic interview comment by Jim Morrison of the Doors in 1970 about use of technology in music performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw8KJ29qph0

Technology - do folk artists use technology???

My answer is: Yes, of course they do.

There is nothing about, or of, the people, that is in contradiction with the people's technology. "ology" means "the study of" and "techno" derives from "techne" relating to "art/craft"

Basically, any systematic analysis of things natural, constructed, or abstract is a process of technology, and any resulting product or creation is a piece of technology. A hammer is technology, a knife is technology, a one-string wash-tub bass is technology. And, of course, a guitar is technology. Even vocal training is technology. An electric guitar is just another kind of technology.

Technology is an extension of human behaviour.

- - - Doc Higgins - - -