Looking for a way to promote Maine’s rich music scene and raise money for the St. Lawrence Arts Center in Portland, Gaylord created the “Greetings from Area Code 207” compilation featuring all local musicians. All proceeds from CD sales go to the center, which has a three-part mission — to create an affordable and accessible venue for arts and culture, nourish neighborhood community and preserve the historic landmark. The compilation has raised around $100,000 for the center over the span of six volumes.
The seventh volume of “Greetings from Area Code 207” is sure to raise more funds and features previously unreleased songs by Ray Lamontagne (holy crap!), Darien Brahms, Spouse, Seekonk, The Coming Grass, The Lomax, Phantom Buffalo, Sara Cox, Jason Spooner, As Fast As, Lauren Sullivan and Adam Gardner, Sean Mencher, The Boneheads, Dominic and the Lucid, Steve Jones, Subject Bias, Bullyclub, Daro, Varsity Drag, Jon Nolan and Rustic Overtones. The disc was mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Adam Ayan.
“It is a testament to our local musicians and music scene that, pound for pound, we continue to produce music that compares favorably with any city in the country,” Gaylord said in reference to the series. Show your local music pride while donating to a local venue by picking up a copy at Bull Moose music stores. Go to www.cornmealrecords.com for information on all volumes.
Can you give me the history of your involvement in the Portland music scene?
I moved to Portland in 1992. I knew exactly two people in Maine. Started going to open mics that led to playing with Diesel Doug and the Long Haul Truckers. I was networking quite a bit within the music community and one thing led to another.
How would you describe your radio show to those who haven’t yet heard it?
A cross section of local, Maine-made music. As a rule, I don’t play metal or most hip hop, but pretty much anything else goes, as long as it’s radio friendly. I try to keep the standards high. Just because it’s local doesn’t mean it’s good. I also do an interview each week with a local musician or band.
How did GFAC 207 get started?
I remember driving to work one day in 1999 and it occurred to me that I could produce a pretty good sampler CD of music that was being made locally, by people that I knew. So I did. We try to pick our favorite 20 songs produced in the last year.
How on earth did you score Ray Lamontagne on the newest series?
We have compromising photos of Ray. No, seriously, I met Ray about a year before he signed his record deal and he came on my radio show three or four times after that. I think he appreciated that and we stay in touch.
What artists would you like to see on future compilations?
No one in particular, just whoever records the best songs.
Do you have any favorite songs that were featured on “GFAC 207” CDs?
“Maps Of Egypt” by Seekonk, volume 4. “Catch 22” by Spouse, volume 3. “Mary” by Jon Nolan, volume 6. I have a lot of favorites. We actually produced a best of CD (“Maine Tracks”) that was put out by Bangor Savings Bank in 2007.
How has the quality of local music changed/improved over the years?
The quality of recordings and mastering has improved a lot over the last 10 years so recordings now sound a lot better. Whether the songs are better is open for debate. Overall I would say the local scene is as vibrant as it has ever been.