Boca's only student run label, Florida Atlantic University's Hoot/Wisdom Recordings, has successfully launched a crowdsourced funding project on Power2Give to raise money for upcoming album releases, upgraded recording equipment, and promotion of the label's music beyond South Florida. This is the first time they've used the web to raise cash since the label's inception 12 years ago. The fundraiser was both set up and approved by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and FAU.
In case you aren't aware of the power Hoot/Wisdom has, let us educate you. In addition to talented local musicians Mandy Moon, the Pathetique, Phantomime, Grace Kimmel and others, the "Alex" half of the 2013 X Factor winner duo Alex & Sierra also worked with Hoot/Wisdom before moving to Orlando when his career took off. The FAU site claims the University "has one of the most active record labels at any university" proven by the release of 21 albums, which were produced entirely by students.
See also: FAU's Hoot/Wisdom Recordings: "The Future of the Music Industry"
According to Adam Kampf, events coordinator at Hoot/Wisdom and drummer of the Pathetique, money raised will be used for the fourth installment of the Hoot/Wisdom CompOWLation compilations, particularly to create physical copies of it.
"This is a great way for people who have wanted to be part of the production process of a record," Kampf explains. "The big kicker, however, is that any money that is collected from the sale of CompOWLation is used for student scholarships."
Yes, you read that right. Funds from album sales will not be going toward cool band merch or beer but instead scholarships for students of the Commercial Music Program.
See also: Florida Duo Alex & Sierra Win X Factor
Unfortunately, Hoot/Wisdom has not reached their goal of $5,000. However, $2,355 was raised to date, leaving Hoot/Wisdom a good start that'll be matched by an anonymous donor. "We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to prove to our peers and the community that we are worthy of their support," said Matt Smith, student president of Hoot/Wisdom.
Smith concludes optimistically, "We just had the most productive semester in Hoot/Wisdom history considering the number of concerts we had, songs we recorded, and songs released." No doubt that the label can only expand from here.
Although the online fundraiser has now finished, checks will still be accepted written out to Commercial Music Office, 777 Glades Rd., AH 111, Boca Raton, Florida, 33431. Also, stay on the lookout for CompOWLation Vol. 4 which will be released in Spring 2015.
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