xfmr.org

What is xfmr.org? First off it is pronounced 'transformer dot org'. The initials 'XFMR' are old military shorthand for the word transformer. For my purposes they make the perfect call letters for an internet radio station like no other. It will serve much the same function as a magnetic transformer, it will focus and distribute energies in new ways.
I've been honing and crafting my vision of xfmr.org for years. It has had several names, locations, and false starts. I've learned from my mistakes. All along this path I have been saving my best ideas and favorite equipment in a nice collection of specific items that I have specific plans for. As I went through years of rebuilding and modifying these stray metal dogs for other folks I had time to evaluate what their metallic abilities can do for me. Using this knowledge I held onto the cream of the crop and these pieces were carefully set aside for this station's use instead of reselling. The stuff I have left now has survived several rounds of purges so there are a few bits of things that got away from me, but the most important stuff still remains.
That is the equipment side of things at xfmr and the main focus of this blog. As for the output of what the site creates, xfmr.org is dedicated to the production, distribution, and promotion of live music and conversation.
Production refers to the whole process of meeting bands, scheduling studio dates, having all the equipment ready, and then recording amazing live bands as they play their original material live. All performances will be 100% live with no overdubs or song edits. The bands will essentially be playing a live show in the studio and that performance will be recorded in an optimised fashion with simple techniques and a minimal intrusion on the performing process.
Distribution via xfmr.org is going to be somewhat unique. All performances recorded for the radio show will be mixed, mastered and edited with interviews. Then that show will be released as a podcast. All the songs from the show plus any available additional material from the session will be released via downloads at the website. Popular performances will become part of the station's regular rotation for streaming as well. Bands will retain full ownership of their material and performances all while having a place where anyone in the world can experience a live show of theirs.
Promotion at xfmr.org is also going to be unique. This is a non-commercial endeavor. The station will operate without any commercials or ads of any kind. We will not endorse any specific products and won't be bound by what we can talk about. That will keep both the musical and the intellectual information freely flowing. That is the ultimate purpose of the site, to be a respite from modern production and mundane songwriting all while not being tainted by financial goals. Xfmr will round up the best unknown, unsigned, and marginalized bands that will be given an opportunity to connect with the whole world without selling their souls. In short, xfmr.org is a musical utopia on the web where anyone with the chops can participate.