If an artists’ collective suggests an insular group of collaborators operating in some isolated or remote universe, that image doesn’t capture a number of musicians’ collectives currently operating in the San Francisco Bay Area. Forsaking insularity, these groups are using the cooperative approach to shed greater visibility upon the talents of all members. It’s a strategy that makes particular sense in an era when young indie bands are increasingly avoiding signing with labels. By sharing traditionally label-driven tasks of promotion, branding, booking, and distribution, many groups are retaining their independence while trying to get their music heard.
Founded in 2007 by members of Built for the Sea, LoveLikeFire, and Poor Bailey, Rose Hill Collective is an assembly of talented local bands brought together for collaborative projects like their latest release, a compilation CD titled Rose Hill Collective, Volume 2. As a multi-band promotional tool, the sampler is a snapshot of an important slice of the Bay Area indie music scene. The participating bands have diverse, individually-developed sounds, and their ranks include a number of the Bay Area’s top local groups, including the anthemic dark rock of LoveLikeFire, the country-influenced balladry of Or, the Whale, and the layered folk-rock of Nyles Lannon, alongside Here Here, Silian Rail, Birdmonster, Street to Nowhere, Built for the Sea, Cold Hot Crash, The Hundred Days, Overview, Audrye Sessions, and Poor Bailey.
The Rose Hill gang celebrates the release of Volume 2 TONIGHT, Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the Great American Music Hall. The show is headlined by Built for the Sea, a quartet whose self-titled 2006 album garnished positive reviews for the band’s shoegaze-influenced modern rock and singer Lia Rose’s emotive and melodic vocals. They’ll be joined by Overview, Silian Rail, The Hundred Days, and Cold Hot Crash, along with DJ sets by members of LoveLikeFire and Live 105 DJ “Miles the Intern”.
Most of the groups on Volume 2 have built their reputations by touring and releasing records without label support. Consistent with that aesthetic, they’ll be giving away copies of the new compilation at Saturday night’s show and on the member bands’ upcoming tours.
The concert is $12 and starts at 9pm. You can purchase advance tickets at GamhTickets.com.
