This is boutique music, handmade, organic, raw, local.
--Jenny Greer, Jen & The Juice
Jenny Greer of Jen & The Juice and SoundMind Media fame is making individual hand-made CD covers for her new album, “Fruit.” The 12-song album was released locally in March 2009 and is getting great reviews.
“Each CD package took me and my peeps about 30 minutes to make, some longer,” she said. “We’ve made 108 so far and with those almost gone, I’m making the rest to meet our 200 goal.”
Why handmade?
There are a few smart and innovative reasons she decided to hand make cd packages for “Fruit”. First, it is a chance to be creative by making a large collection of art and including others in the creative process. It gives her an excuse to push my self creatively by making each one different and trying out new materials like feathers and glitter.
Second, it is a way to avoid mass production of “stuff” and show care for the environment and to personally connect with fans. Energy goes into each object produced.
Third, it’s good business. The handmade packages save the band money. Fans enjoy the process of picking out their favorite CD and Jenny feels more attached to them and like fans feel more attached to the music. Hard copies are not as relevant anymore; people want mp3s, but one-of-a-kind objects is a awesome alternative.
Digital distribution also is an accessible and less expensive way for a band to sell its music. This is why you won’t find “Fruit” on itunes.
Jen & The Juice prefers to meet you while you buy a new cd in person at one of their shows. The next big one is at The Orange Peel in August. Or they are available at Harvest Records and Static Age. You can also get the handmade ones on www.jenandthejuice.com.
