Thanks for backing the original Detroit Radio Project on Kickstarter. As you may remember the campaign was canceled after we won a grant from the Kresge Foundation that covered our studio.

Instead I started another Kickstarter Project called "Mission: Michigan Vinyl Acquisition":

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/969722970/am-1610-the-station-mission-michigan-vinyl-acqu

This project is $30 away from making it's goal of $300. Backers can donate as little as $2 to make this thing happen.

Success of this new project will mean $300 returned to the local economy in the form of LPs and 45s made by Michigan artists. Our collection is already pretty awesome but with your help it could be even more awesome.

Thanks everybody and we're doing a live vinyl show starting at 12 midnight on new year's. Tune in and check us out!

T-shirts are now on sale on our website for $25. Show your support and great taste!

http://station.hamtramckstar.com/2009/10/21/t-shirts-for-sale

We've been building up our vault with Michigan labels and artists. Mikel at Detroit Threads has been consulting with us, making sure we get our hands on the cool and rare wax.

This is everything in "A" to date:

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ADULT D.U.M.E. 2005 Erstaz Thrill 156

Adult/Dirtbombs, The Split/Split/Split 06/15/04 Erstaz/Cass EZ-033, MAMA-033

Andy Garcia (Cryovac) cryovac #2 - Eastside 88 Docile Recordings Cryo-002

Andy Garcia (Docile) #19 - pink and white Docile Recordings

Andy Garcia (Docile) #17 - orange and white Docile Recordings

Andy Garcia (Docile) #16 - red and white Docile Recordings

Andy Garcia (Docile) #15 - yellow and white Docile Recordings

Andy Garcia (Docile) #3 - black and green Docile Recordings

Aquanauts, The The Titanic EP 2004 Underground Resistance UR-056

Aztec Mystic (DJ Rolando) Revenge of the Jaguar - The Mixes Underground Resistance

I'm pleased to report that this great project passed the 20% mark this week. Thank you backers for being terrific human beings.

This week, Aaron Timlin of The Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit came by and we talked about AM Radio and generally how The Station could collaborate. A giant thanks goes out to Aaron and CAID for sending our Facebook page membership from 30 to 90+ in a couple of days.

Attached to this update are some photos of the future studio, which is also our general project space. Currently there's many things that ought to be in a garage but we haven't yet built one.

No matter, plenty of room for a basic studio with a couple of tables, mics, mixers, and turntables. I expect to use recycled materials whenever possible. I'm also penning letters to gear manufacturers for information on scratch & dent and factory reconditioned equipment.

Also attached is a photo of the AM 1610 The Station t-shirt, modeled by my incredible wife. Backers of $50 or more get one when the project reaches 100% funding.

Our all-local vinyl collection is growing. This week we picked up some more Detroit electronica, techno, a Cubes single, and an awesome white-vinyl pressing of an MC5 record. Can't wait to play this stuff on the air!

Sincerely,

Steven Cherry

A couple of weeks ago, I was telling my friend Jerry Paffendorf about my master-plan to create a small studio and take AM 1610 vinyl live, he instantly suggested a Kickstarter project.

All of you who know me, understand that I'm cynical about "creative funding" and that I'm inclined to "DIY" projects. Jerry persuaded me to give Kickstarter a shot since this idea has more universal appeal than the niche stuff I'm known to spend my time on.

I'd like to extend a warm and sincere "thank you" to everyone who believes in the grass roots merit of this project.

The goal will eventually be achieved whether it be via Kickstarter, Kresge/Knight grants, T-shirt sales, or out of my hobby budget.

In coming updates expect some photos of my project space and existing equipment. It's not going to win any awards but it'll give you an idea of what kind of insanity you're funding.

Thanks friends.