About this project
Pictured: Al Jourgensen of Ministry, live on stage. Photo will appear in "Chicago Rocked," and is courtesy of Jeff Kroll (jeffkrollphotos.com)
Urge Overkill. Ministry. Smashing Pumpkins. Liz Phair. Smoking Popes. Disturbed. Steve Albini. Veruca Salt. The Jesus Lizard. Screeching Weasel.
"CHICAGO ROCKED! 1990-1999" (working title) is a book I've spent the past four years working on and writing; pulling together hundreds of hours of exclusive interviews and stories from the artists, label owners, studio engineers, club owners, and scenesters who made the Chicago music scene "happen" in the 90s.
Adding to their stories and memories are my own recollections, thoughts, and observations. During the 1990s, I hosted a Chicago music radio show on alternative station "Q101" (WKQX) called "The Local Music Showcase" (later "Local 101"). Through the Local Music Showcase, I got to know every musician, band, and player around town--if not personally, then through their songs and live performances. I'm uniquely qualified to tell this story, and you can feel confident pledging your support to help fund it.
The 90s were an unforgettable decade for Chicago music. There were soaring highs. Depressing lows. Lots of beer. Quite a few major label deals, too. The narrative of "Chicago Rocked" is factual, funny, and informative. It's pure Chicago, and totally rock and roll.
Adding to the story are dozens of photos from the 90s, taken by some of Chicago's most celebrated rock photographers, as well as the artists themselves. This story has never been told, and it likely never will outside of this book.
A very early and very different version of this book was planned for release by an independent publisher in late 2007, but those plans changed in mid-'07. After that, I decided to rewrite the entire book from beginning to end, and I'm currently in the final stages of self-editing the manuscript. But what to do next? I decided to take a lesson from the bands I wrote about. They taught me a few valuable things:
* Don't drink too much before walking out on stage.
* The quickest fix is usually the quickest way to ruin.
* Ego will always come back to haunt you.
Most importantly, many of their stories showed me that D.I.Y. is the way to go. As such, I've decided to self-publish my book and get it on shelves by Summer, 2010. By self-publishing, I can guarantee and execute a long-term strategy faithful to the mission of the book: To preserve the memories of this watershed decade in Chicago music history. Doing things myself means that other concerns like distribution, content, and publicity would be exclusively under my control, not a third party publisher looking for any sign or excuse to cut bait.
The catch to self-publishing is that it's a serious investment (P.O.D. services--sketchy and disreputable as they are--are not a consideration). In order to do this right, I'm going to personally handle every aspect of editorial and production, including the hiring of a professional manuscript editor, book indexer, cover designer, layout designer, web host service, entertainment lawyer, and offset printer for a projected initial pressing of 2500 copies. Additional expenditures for the project include acquiring an ISBN, securing a copyright, paying photographers, and covering mailing and promotion. I've estimated the total cost to be a jaw-dropping $17,000. That's a five digit number. In the current economy--hell, in the previous economy--that's a lot of dough that I simply don't have.
In order to finance the book and get it into stores and Amazon.com, I've opened the project up to the community. Any dollar amount is helpful, though I've created an investment program to make it more attractive (spelled out to the right). Note that most of the pledge rewards allow for written contributions to be added to specific areas of the book. Contributions are subject to basic grammar editing, and nothing of a hateful or potentially litigious nature will be considered. Author's judgment is final. In simpler terms, please be cool!
Pledge money is only collected once the goal is hit.
One final thing--if this works out, my goal is to move forward as a media publisher, releasing books and music by people whose work I admire in multiple formats. This could be a wonderful, um, kickstart to helping establish a new and dedicated independent contributor to the arts scene.
For further information, and lots of Chicago-in-the-90s discussion, visit my blog at
http://blog.jamesvanosdol.com
Relevant to the book, my blog started running a feature-within-a-blog called "90s in 90 Days," on 6/1/09.
FAQ
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139
Backers
$10,294
pledged of $17,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on September 16, 2009.
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JUST ADDED! (7/23/09) Challengers Comics + Conversation will match 50% of each pledge at this reward level with a Challengers Gift Certificate to the backer. For example, if you pledge $100 to Chicago Rocked, you'll get a $50 Challengers Gift Certificate, issued after 9/16/09, and only if the goal is met. http://www.challengerscomics.com
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A personal phone call thanking you for your support.
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Name mentioned in the Paid Contributors "thank you" page.
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(Just added 8/6/09!) Digital copy of Chicago Rocked prior to its official release.
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Title sponsorship of my blog ("__________ presents James VanOsdol's blog) at http://blog.james.vanosdol.com for October, 2009. One copy of the book after publication.
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Title sponsorship of my blog ("__________ presents James VanOsdol's blog) at http://blog.james.vanosdol.com for November, 2009. One copy of the book after publication.
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Title sponsorship of my blog ("__________ presents James VanOsdol's blog) at http://blog.james.vanosdol.com for December, 2009. One copy of the book after publication.
Pledge $30 or more Pledge $30 or more
My personal copy of the long-out-of print "Local 101 volume one" CD, including tracks by Smoking Popes, Wilco, Local H, Dovetail Joint, Kill Hannah, Liz Phair, and more.
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
Name mentioned in the Paid Contributors "thank you" page. Two random CDs or comic books (state preference, CDs or comics) from my massive personal music and comic libraries. One copy of the book after publication.
Pledge $75 or more Pledge $75 or more
Name mentioned in the Paid Contributors "thank you" page. Three random CDs or comic books (state preference, CDs or comics) from my massive personal music and comic libraries. Two copies of the book after publication.
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A shrinkwrapped copy of Nirvana's box set "With the Lights Out." Name mentioned on the Paid Contributors "thank you" page
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A shrinkwrapped copy of Slayer's box set "Soundtrack to the Apocalypse." Name mentioned on the Paid Contributors "Thank You" page.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
(ADDED 7/23/09!) 25 word bio, review, or summary of your favorite 1990s Chicago artist or memory to include in the Paid Contributors "Opinions" section, including name credit. Five random CDs or comic books (state preference, CDs or comics) from my massive personal music and comic libraries. Three copies of the book after publication.
Pledge $125 or more Pledge $125 or more
50 word bio, review, or summary of your favorite 1990s Chicago artist or memory to include in the Paid Contributors "Opinions" section, including name credit. Ten random CDs or comic books (state preference, CDs or comics) from my massive personal music and comic libraries. Five copies of the book after publication.
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My personal RIAA-certified gold record of Shinedown "Shinedown." Five copies of the book after publication..
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My personal RIAA-certified gold record of Blur "Blur." Five copies of the book after publication.
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My personal RIAA-certified gold record of Chevelle "Wonder What's Next." Five copies of the book after publication..
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My personal RIAA-certified platinum record of Jimmy Eat World "Bleed American." Five copies of the book after publication.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
250 word bio, review, or summary of your favorite 1990s Chicago artist or memory to include in the Paid Contributors "Opinions" section, including name credit. 25 random CDs or comic books (state preference, CDs or comics) from my massive personal music and comic libraries. Ten copies of the book after publication.
Pledge $550 or more Pledge $550 or more
My personal RIAA-certified platinum record of A Perfect Circle "Mer de Noms," signed by drummer Josh Freese. Five copies of the book after publication.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
750 words about your favorite 1990s Chicago artist or memory to be included in the "Silver Contributors Opinions" section, including name credit. Twenty copies of the book after publication. 50 random CDs or comic books (state preference, CDs or comics) from my massive personal music and comic libraries.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
Personally-owned 14-shelf CD bookcase made by 57th Street Bookcase & Cabinet in Evanston. A cabinet similar to mine can be seen on their website (http://57thstreetbookcases.com/57th-subpages/freestanding.html). No delivery available. Five copies of the book after publication.
Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more
1500 words about your favorite 1990s Chicago artist or memory to be included in the "Gold Contributors Opinions" section, including name credit. Thirty copies of the book after publication. 75 random CDs or comic books (state preference, CDs or comics) from my massive personal music and comic libraries.
Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more
Title sponsorship of book on back cover ("Funding graciously provided by _______") with logo (size to be determined by book designer and author). Full page ad in book. Advertising must be consistent with the tone of the book, and is subject to discussion and approval. Fifty copies of the book after publication. I'd also be open to mowing your lawn or shoveling your walk, depending on the season. Let's talk.
Project By
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I'm a Chicago-based writer, former radio personality, and all-around nice guy.
