Renfrewshire musicians are vying to break into the music industry this Christmas and take the charts by storm as they seek to release a festive album - and everyone is being invited to contribute.
The project, led by Ric Herrington, 69, developed after open mic sessions at The Keg in Paisley.
Ric and other musicians appearing at the Gilmour Street venue jested at the idea of making a Christmas album.
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He said: “We were talking last spring. And thought, boy, it would be fun if the musicians of Paisley can come together, put together an album as a gift from the musicians and songwriters of Paisley as a gift to the town and the world.”
But now the project has become a reality, with plans for 15 new songs to be released on November 17.
Ric explained: ''Some of these songs are really exceptional. If placed in the digital media circus at the right time, and it is the right time, the Paisley music media algorithms will start smoking! A Christmas number 1? Possible!''
The album, titled ‘Pass the Parcel, Paisley’, will have a limited CD run and will be available to listen on and for download on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
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The idea is that the album becomes a gift to the community, the title reflecting this theme, referring to the unwrapping of a new holiday season themed song 'layer by layer’.
Ric says it’s not too late for anybody else in Renfrewshire to get involved with the project, he’s inviting everyone who’s interested to send in their own interpretation of a Christmas song.
So far, the album has been contributed to by a variety of musicians of different styles and characters, and in the spirit of inclusion all reflections on the theme are invited.
Ric explained to the PDE that while some songs on the album will reflect the good cheer associated with the season, other artists have taken an alternative look at the more difficult emotions surrounding the holiday.
And the more contributions, the merrier, as far as Ric is concerned.
“With Spotify, you could have 100 tracks on an album if you wanted. So that's in the back of my mind. That's what I've always been hoping for. And I've had people telling me, ‘you can’t have an album with 100 songs’. But if I had children reciting Christmas poems, or a clarinet player with his little idea of holiday song. It's meant to be all inclusive.” Said Ric.
The proceeds from the album will go to the musicians who created the songs and cash generated by sale of one particular song, will go to a Renfrewshire-based charity, which is yet to be chosen.
Those wanting to submit a track, poem, piece of music for the album can get in touch with Ric on 07518 374201 or email him at richerrington@hotmail.co.uk.
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