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- What is the Floating Folk Festival?
- The Floating Folk Festival is an association of musical acts based in Richmond, Virginia. It began in July 1997, and has presented more than 140 shows since then, mostly at intimate venues. Two compilation CDs on
Planetary Records have been released, and a third is planned for 2001. Member benefits include: media exposure, audio and videotapes of concerts, free music
business e-zine, and networking among members. Show highlights have included playing such venues as the State Theatre in Arlington (with New Potato Caboose), the Iota Club, Mayo Island, Brown's Island, Winter's Tale, and
Innsbrook After Hours (with Pure Prairie League).
- What makes Floating Folk concerts different from other shows?
- Acoustic instruments, short sets, an early start, and original music. Floating Folk shows usually have 5 artists playing two three-song sets each, which takes place over three hours. A two hour show might have four artists
playing two four song sets. Full bands might play 40 minutes total in one set, depending on the circumstances. Sometimes the sets will be four songs or more, sometimes two songs. It depends on the venue and other factors. Most
nighttime shows start at 8:00 and end at 11:00. There are no breaks between the sets, and an MC announces the next artist, as well as helping them get plugged in.
- How many people belong to the Floating Folk Festival?
- About 20 musicians participate on a regular basis. Another 20 or so will float in from time to time. In all there are over 100 members, including people from as far away as Wales, Bulgaria, and Algeria.
- Are musicians paid?
- Not directly. All income is pooled to support the operation of the Floating Folk Festival, which is a non-profit organization. For example, we purchased a PA, to avoid having to rent one. We also buy advertising for
special events, pay for the website, flyers, mailings, video shoots, audio tapes, film, extra CDs for promotion, and other music production costs. All members are free to use anything produced by the Floating Folk Festival, such as
recordings, videos, press, etc. for their own purposes, but in all cases the original artist retains the copyright.
- Can someone from outside of Richmond join?
- Yes, but the difficulties of distance might make it tough for that act to thrive in the Floating Folk Festival. By necessity, we give the best concert spots and CD time to the regular members that work year round on the shows.
But someone from out of town who is passing through might want to get a place to stay, play a show, and make some contacts. They would do it for the exposure and a chance to sell CDs, etc. One way to participate from afar is to
do some of the internet work, generate media, and other things that do not require being in Richmond. Such a contribution could lead to CD time and inclusion in the high profile shows.
- What do I have to do to become a member?
- Send a CD or tape to Brooke Saunders, 12927 Plaza Drive, Richmond, VA 23233. If we like it, we will call you. Not a musician? Sign
up for our free e-zine, which is distributed a couple times per week, or more.
You should buy one or both of the CDs, and listen carefully to make sure the music is remotely related to what you are doing. We are very generous as to the styles of music allowed, but to ensure compatibility,
listen to the audio clips at MP3.com or purchase a CD. You can get a Floating Folk CD at amazon.com. While you are at it, write a
review for one of the CDs andsend it to Brooke Saunders - it will get into print.
- What happens when my recording is approved?
- If we call you, you will play three songs at your first show. Make sure they are original. Do not play covers at your first show, the Floating Folk Festival stresses original music. Later, when you do a regular slot of six or so
songs, try not to play more than one cover, if any at all. If you do not have enough original material to play a Floating Folk show, it might not be the organization for you.
If you do play a cover, announce it as such, and credit the original artist. We want people who see Floating Folk shows to assume a song is original, unless otherwise noted.
In the days after your appearance, your performance will be discussed by the Floating Folk members who saw you. You will then be called with comments, suggestions, opinions, etc. Arriving early, staying late, being friendly,
helpful and supportive are all very important, but above all, you must demonstrate some original musical ability.
- I do not play guitar, I play violin / mandolin / trumpet / sax / flute / clarinet / etc.
- We are very interested in having accompanists. Contact us. There are many members who would love to jam with other musicians, and are actively looking for players.
- What are some things a member can help with?
- We are in need of people who can share the duties of keeping the online calendars up to date. We also need people to arrive an hour before a show to help set up the PA, put up banners, hand
out flyers, sell CDs, MC, provide stagehand assistance, introduce people to other people, etc. Tell us what your talents are and the amount of time you can contribute - we will find something for you to do.
A talented person who joined yesterday and works hard to support the Floating Folk Festival has just as much access to the best gigs as someone who joined in the beginning. That is part of our charter.
- How much does it cost to join?
- There are no membership dues, though many members have contributed money and items of value.
- Can my band use an electric guitar?
- Yes. Though many members oppose the use of electric guitars, an exception proves the rule. The philosophy of the Floating Folk Festival is that singer-songwriters should rely upon acoustic instruments. If you have a lead
guitarist who can not or will not play lead on an acoustic guitar, then they can play electric. Be aware, though, that the use of electric guitars is discouraged because it might lead to other members wanting to use one "because
someone else did", and so on and so on, thus eroding the acoustic nature of the Floating Folk Festival.
There will always be a "house acoustic guitar" available for someone to use who either does not have a good acoustic guitar or showed up expecting not to play.
- Are there any equipment requirements?
- Make sure your acoustic guitar has a good quality "active" pickup (like a Fishman) as opposed to a low-quality soundhole pickup. Tune your instrument before you leave home, tune when you arrive, and once
more before you get on stage. Try not to re-string five minutes before you play. Electric basses are commonly used with full drum sets, though brushes or bundled sticks are preferred. Let us know in advance if you want to use an
electric bass or drums, because there can be only one drum set and one bass amp per evening. If you are bringing a drummer, we will find out if another band is on that evening that will have drums there. If not, you will need to
bring your own drums and bass amp. Of course, a snare changeover is fine. Just think ahead, if it takes more than two or three minutes to set up, you have too much equipment.
Sometimes elaborate conga drums or percussion setups really slow down the set changes, so indicate what you want to bring, and we will determine what is possible. Think minimal, travel light, and depend on talent, not
size and complexity of equipment. Effects pedals other than on/off or volume are discouraged: leave those distortion and phase pedals at home.
- I do not really play folk, is that okay?
- We have bluegrass, pop, country, Celtic, and other flavors coming from the songwriters. Send us your music, it might fit. In any case, we would love to hear it.
- How do you decide who plays at which shows, once they have been accepted?
- We use a combination of rotation and seniority, so everyone gets a chance. Some people manage to play only once every six months, others are readily available. Your availability is relevant: we only have so much time to
track people down, and often go with the people who are the easiest to contact (hint, hint). Another factor in deciding would be suitability: for the bigger shows we would present the most experienced artists.
- What are the future plans for the Floating Folk Festival?
- We plan to perform regularly in Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, and other locations in the central Virginia area. We also hope to open "chapters" in other locations that can ultimately become self-sufficient.
Another goal is to have all members release their own CDs. We are also working on a video series, getting more publicity for artists, and trying to enhance communication among artists and our audience.
- I am interested in booking the Floating Folk Festival or individual artists, how does this work?
- To book a Floating Folk Festival show, contact Brooke Saunders. Let him know what you have in mind. Our prices are very low compared to many other acts, and depend upon the
amount of equipment we need to bring, how many people perform, and the nature of the show.
To book individual artists, contact a Paul Magill. We will do our best to help you.
But one of our main goals is to get gigs for musicians: if a promoter does not have contact information for a particular artist in the central Virginia area, we will help track them down, if possible.
- I have other questions about the Floating Folk Festival.
- Feel free to send them to Brooke Saunders.
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