PROVIDENCE BAY – Providence Bay entrepreneur, screenplay writer and musician Merdick McFarlane is working on a CD dedicated to songs about Manitoulin, or songs that at least mention the world’s largest freshwater island.
“My company, Big Bird Little Worm productions is working with singer/songwriters that have a song they have written that mentions Manitoulin Island in the lyrics,” Mr. McFarlane explains. “I am at this time seeking other songs to be considered to be included in the CD, to be titled ‘Songs of Manitoulin.’ Artists can just have the lyrics to a song and my company will produce a full five-piece band with separate backing tracks and at vocal track with music.”
Mr. McFarlane says that each song submitted will require to be fully produced “as we are producing a quality recording. Each artist submitting their song will own all rights to their own work with me acting as the producer. Any songwriter not comfortable with singing their own song can designate a singer of their choosing.”
Mr. McFarlane says the intention of releasing the album is to highlight Manitoulin Island in song while raising funds for a Manitoulin Island charity or organization. “To date we have not chosen an organization to work with, however we have made initial contact with some organizations that are working on projects that have great benefit to Manitoulin as a whole. Our only criteria is that the money raised must be used here on the Island.”
To date the following singers/songwriters have agreed to participate in supplying their talents to the project: Lori Gordon Hall, singer/songwriter; Dale Gilchrist, singer/songwriter; John Gilchrist, singer/songwriter; Jim Beech, singer/songwriter; and Mr. McFarlane himself, a songwriter who is seeking a singer to perform his music
Any singer/songwriters wishing to be considered for placement on the album can contact Mr. McFarlane at 705-282-4816, on Facebook or by emailing him at merd392292@hotmail.com for additional information.
Mr. McFarlane is hoping for 12 tracks on the CD. “At this time we are seeking input from charities or organizations that would consider working with us on this project,” he adds.
It is hoped that the album will be ready for the Christmas season.
