The View From Here - Thanks for Coming from CAC!
Thanks so much to everyone to attended The View From Here. We had an excellent turnout and some wonderful conversations. It's clear that the Chicago audio community has a huge appetite for community and connections.
You haven't heard from us in a couple weeks because we've been hard at work planning — now we have some exciting things to share!
Here's what we've got:
- A bit about who we are and what our mission is moving forward...
- How we're supporting that mission through tools like the brand new Chicago Talent and Resource Directory (currently in beta)!
- How you can continue to connect with each other through upcoming events — we're really excited about the next one and can't wait to share more soon! (Read on for a sneak peek...)
Who We Are: The Chicago Audiomakers Collective
The View from Here was organized by Chicago-area audio producers Johanna Zorn, Eliza Lambert-Arnold, and Ian Mandt. We set up this event for one simple reason:
Chicago is full of incredible talent and it's a city where things are undeniably happening. But, we as a community of artists, producers, and talent, aren't as connected as we should be. We want to fix that.
Our goal is to connect Chicago audio talent like you with each other. We're doing that by planning events, building community tools (see below), and connecting the community with all the other wonderful events and groups in the city which you may not know about.
Now that you know what we're about, lets get to the important stuff!
Chicago Talent and Resource Directory
Those of you who attended our event last month may recall that we asked people to complete a google form. We've used those responses to build a directory of Chicago audio talent and companies — this includes podcast hosts, producers, editors, etc...
Everyone is welcome to add themselves to the directory, or browse it and reach out to other people in the community. We want this to be a one-stop-shop for you to find new connections, and for anyone to find talent when staffing up their projects.
We're also working on similar list of tape-syncers, and places to rent equipment or a studio space. Respond to this email if you've got ideas for us to include.
We also want to emphasize that this directory is in beta and is DIY. It's not necessarily comprehensive, nor is it guaranteed to be perfect. If there's a feature you'd love to see added — let us know! Respond to this email or send us a message at ian@chiaudiocollective.com.
Our Next Event...
We can't share much right now, but we are planning another event for the Chicago audio community in collaboration with a legendary figure in the world of audio. It's going to be a celebration of short form audio and bold storytelling.
Also, it may involve some optional knitting... So, if you like audio, if you like knitting, or if you like audio and knitting — this event is for you! Plus, there will be plenty of time to meet and mingle.
We'll have more to share soon — expect more news in the coming weeks!
What Else We're Doing...
There are other ways to get connected sooner! Chicago Audiomakers Collective also hosts monthly zoom meetings. If you want to connect with people more frequently, share your work, get notes on current projects, and much more... then you may want to check out the CAC monthly meeting!
We meet on the first Thursday of every month at 5pm CT on Zoom. Our next meeting is June 5th at 5pm. Add it to your calendar and add the zoom link below.
Thanks again for coming to The View From Here! We can't wait to see you all next time!
Before you go, there are two non-CAC events coming up in Chicago later this month and next. Check them out below!
Other Events
If you want to stay in the loop, you can also subscribe to our CAC calendar which aggregates all events — not just CAC sponsored ones.
- ICS Feed — copy this link and open your calendar app of choice. Find the option to subscribe to a calendar, and paste the link in.
- Google Calendar — open this link and click "add to Google Calendar" in the bottom left (or click the same link in the embedded calendar below).
Here's are two exciting non-CAC events coming up in June:
Sound Opinions LIVE with Valerie June
Take a late lunch hour and join Jim DeRogatis & Greg Kot for a LIVE taping of Sound Opinions at the Goose Island Salt Shed Pub featuring an interview and performance from Valerie June.
Valerie June is an American singer, songwriter, Grammy-nominated, multi-instrumentalist with a sound that blends country, R&B, folk, soul, blues, and jazz. Rooted in the belief that what we focus on is what we manifest, June dreams a songpath forward that leaves no one behind. She has been softening and clarifying her sound since the 2013 release of Pushin’ Against A Stone, through The Order of Time, The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, and Under Cover. Her newest work shows Valerie’s own spiritual growth, her deepening, the opening of ancestral channels into both her glorious voice and her tender lyrics.
Details:
- Location: Goose Island Salt Shed Pub at 1221 West Blackhawk Street Chicago, IL 60642
- Date: Wednesday May 28th, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Please be there promptly at 12:00 p.m. to secure your spot.
- RSVP: HERE
- NOTE: This is a 21 and over event, seating is first come first serve and is not guaranteed. Questions? Email: interact@soundopinions.org
What Does Forward - Thinking Audio Politics Sound Like?
Northwestern Medill School of Journalism is hosting a panel discussion and networking reception on Thursday June 5th, from 4-6pm!
CAC's own Derek John will be a panelist alongside Jeffrey Gardner of Audacious Machine, and Mariah Woelfel of WBEZ. The panel will be moderated by associate professor in RTVF, co-founder and director of the MA program in Sound Arts and Industries Niel Verma.
Details:
- Location: 303 E. Wacker, 16th Floor
- Date: Thursday, June 5 4-6pm
- RSVP: HERE