Keeping Things Authentic: Artists From Across Oceans Stick Together

Sept. 18, 2008 - PRLog -- Michael Chapman hit the music scene during the American folk heyday of the 1960's and released records under notable Decca and Harvest labels. Chapman has done his fair share of touring the states, but on Sunday, October 5, Michael Chapman will open his latest American tour independently and beside Philadelphia fringe folk guitarist Jack Rose.

The opening show, presented by the Philadelphia Folksong Society at the Commodore Barry Club, displays a current trend in the music industry of independent artists embarking on tours with the help of international networks. "When artists collaborate bilaterally, you can see this reciprocity occur and music can be successfully contextualized in other cultures," says Levi Landis, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Folksong Society.

Folk music, in particular, has a focus on culture-framing. Landis adds, "Folk art is concerned with preserving the history of the land, people, and values of a particular culture. This means that folk musicians are typically more dedicated to authentically and accurately presenting these values than making hit records."

With or without the hit records, however, independent artists are booking tours that take the music across waters. It could be argued that social media tools and internet networking have sharpened this musical biz skill among musicians. Specifically, younger artists have learned to use social media and website tools to identify and communicate with like-minded artists, leading to mutual world-wide musical opportunities that were not available as few as five years ago.

Additionally, non-profits and independent agents have sprung up recently, with specific missions in aiding grass-roots touring efforts. The non-profit Philadelphia Sessions specifically presents European tours by Philadelphia musicians such as John Francis and Ashley Phillips. Phillips offers the pervading attitude of many networking artists, "In a time where 'D.I.Y. (do it yourself) or die' seems to be building momentum, I'm reaching out as a self-released singer/songwriter for this trip."
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Jack Rose will host and open for Michael Chapman on his U.S. Fall tour. The Philadelphia Folksong Society presents the opening show on Sunday October 5, at 8pm at the Commodore Barry Club at 6815 Emlen St. Philadelphia, PA 19119. Chapman will return the favor, sponsoring Jack Rose throughout Europe in December.  Visit www.PFS.org for more information.

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Philadelphia Folksong Society is dedicated to the dissemination of folk music and related art. PFS hosts the Philadelphia Folk Festival and multiple concerts, workshops, and educational programs annually.