History

The Lumpy Taters Musical Collective began to take shape in 2001 when long time musical collaborators Jeffrey Deason, Craig Patterson and Rob Morse decided to form an association of musicians who could play together and assist one another in the development of their own individual, musical ideas. The flowery concept began to bloom when they connected with singer/songwriter Tom Ward who was also looking to collaborate. At first the idea focused exclusively on the development of musical ideas. However, as the group of musicians continued to assist one another in the development and recording of each others songs, it became clear that there was something more to this. With the recording industry at large, in a state of homogenous, formulaic, capitalist induced hopelessness (at least in the minds of those seeking creative, adventurous music), and the technological gates of opportunity opening with the burgeoning internet, they began to wonder about the possibility of distributing their music in an inexpensive fashion to those who might be interested, without going through the creative dampening, (quite frankly) money grubbing hands of the corporate music world. With the help of interesting songs, other talented musicians, a user friendly website, and a cast of other characters, the Lumpy Taters Musical Collective was formed.

Mission

Our mission is simple. Independently produce and provide, creative, quality music to the musically adventurous at a fair price in an accessible manner: and to honor the artist as creator without the influence of the corporate boardroom. Our productions may not be perfect, but neither will they be sterilized.

Lumpy Taters exists to assist musicians in achieving their musical vision and to provide an alternative to existing business models employed by the major record labels. We will do this by acting as a network where the artist can meet other musicians who can provide alternate instrumentation, thereby helping the creator fulfill his/her vision. We will also provide a platform for the artist to have their work heard by having a website that will allow the artist to sell their works. LTMC will have very limited restrictions on content and the artist will have full artistic control of their works.

In addition, Lumpy Taters intends to provide the artist with more profit per unit sold than the artist would be able to achieve with a standard record label. Artists can control the amount of songs on their particular page and will be provided with download statistics.

The greatest aspect of this collective is the support of other musicians for the sole purpose of creativity. We are fully aware that many of the musicians we work with do not fit into categories. This works to all our advantage. Keeping an open song format and ability to play the songs with many different musicians and styles will keep each songs performance unique. We will encourage live recording and foster the relationships that happen when different musicians perform together.

Artists Expectations

First of all, we expect our artists to be open minded to all forms of creativity. Our artists do not need to fit into any mold and are encouraged to create in any way they see fit. We would like to see artists with unique instrumentations and the willingness to combine them. We can then provide a network of creative people, willing to help each other. A duet of Spoons and Tuba should not be unlikely and when it happens for the first time, will be celebrated. Artists must be willing to help promote LTMC and the other artists in the collective.

Artists will always retain ownership on their recordings. 85% of artist website income(downloads and merchandise) will be retained by the artist. 15% of all collective website income will go back to the collective for administrative/development costs. Any collective funds left after the end of our fiscal year will be totaled and the choice will be given to members via vote. The funds will be distributed to members or put back into the collective infrastructure.