Frethaus Exhibit From The Alabama Contemporary Art Center — Frethaus, a previous exhibit by AU Industrial + Graphic Design, was featured at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center. (@alabamacontemporary on Instagram)

Listen up Alabama musicians! Thanks to a new project, patchwork symphony, you have a shot at professional recording studio time—regardless of what genre you play. The best part? If chosen, your music will be featured on a compilation album. Keep reading for all the jazzy details.

Calling all musicians 🎵

Drums And Other Musical Instruments On Stage At Saturn — Your stage is set. (Tristan Bentley)

If you’re an Alabama artist who dreams big, works hard and is looking to take your music to the next level, we’ve got an incredible opportunity for you.

Higher Ground Society, Alabama Contemporary Art Center and Cartographer Records are teaming up to produce “patchwork symphony”, a collaborative, multi-genre, 12-track studio album featuring talent from across the state.

“I’m acutely aware of the tremendous amount of talent that’s here in Alabama and Higher Ground Society is all about bringing communities together and forging understanding through the arts and humanities. That’s what patchwork symphony is all about: celebrating our musicians within the state and letting the world know that we’re here and we’ve got cool things going on.”
Jerald Crook, Executive Director, Higher Ground Society

Think you have what it takes? Record an original song and submit it to the open casting call. If chosen for the project, you’ll get access to Cartographer Record’s professional recording studio. Your song will be featured on the collaborative album and get you’ll get paid for your contribution.

Showcase your talent

Person Playing Guitar — project symphony is accepting all kinds of artists. (Unsplash)

If you’re worried about not being “official” enough to apply, don’t worry. You can submit a song even if your only major performance was for your dog in your living room.

Starting next week, there will be an open casting call for interested artists. There you’ll submit an audio recording and lyrics (if applicable) of up to 3 original songs showcasing your unique style.

Higher Ground Society is looking to feature artists that are disciplined, serious about music and express Alabama musical traditions. According to their website, lyrical songs with messages of love, unity, or social commentary are strongly desired—so let your creativity shine.

Once you’ve participated in the project, Higher Ground Society, Alabama Contemporary Art Center and Cartographer Records vow to invest in your career, providing bookings for performances, appearances and other projects.

Time to get creative!

It’s time to show them what you’re made of. The casting call for submissions is officially open! You can find the “patchwork symphony” submission portal here.

The deadline for submissions to the project is April 1, 2022 with the review process beginning soon after. Artists who are selected for the project are scheduled to be notified and booked for recording sessions with Cartographer Records beginning in July 2022.

Recording sessions are booked with Cartographer Records in Mobile, AL. If you’re not local to that area, Higher Ground Society will work with you to make travel arrangements for the session.

We can’t wait to see talented Alabama artists come together.

Are you going to submit an original song? Tag us @thebamabuzz and let us know.