Individual Artist Project

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,000
Recipient
Cory T. Coffman
Recipient Type
Individual
Status
In Progress
Start Date
May 2024
End Date
March 2025
Activity Type
Grants/Contracts
Counties Affected
St. Louis
St. Louis
Project Overview

Individual Artist Project

Project Details

Record three singles; 'Down the Sidewalk', 'New Vincent', and 'Oh I Know'

Competitive Grant Making Body
Board Members and Qualifications

Kathy Neff: musician, Director, Fine Arts Academy at the University of Minnesota-Duluth; Emily Swanson: arts administrator at Oldenburg Arts and Cultural Community; Sam Zimmerman: visual artist, teacher; Liz Engelman: dramaturg, founder and director of Tofte Lake Center; Nik Allen: Author, Photographer, Arts Supporter; Khayman Goodsky: Filmmaker; Janie Heitz: Director of Arts Museum; Peggy Kelly: Community Arts organizer; Veronica Veaux: Indigenous Bead Worker

Advisory Group Members and Qualifications

Gloria DeFillips-Brush: Arts Administrator, Visual Arts, Arts Instructor; Laura Stone: Visual Arts; Heidi Foltz: Fiber Arts, Arts Supporter; Brian Malloy: Literature, Arts Instructor; Margo Gray: Interdisciplinary Collaborations and Performance Art

Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Appropriation Language

ACHF Arts Access

2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,000
Other Funds Leveraged
$0
Direct expenses
$3,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

In an industry dominated by streaming and short attention spans, singles serve as a powerful way to quickly catch the attention of listeners far and wide while also keeping my current fan base engaged. These professionally crafted songs will help make a strong first impression and leave listeners eager to hear more, eventually translating into fans who listen to/purchase full length albums. Singles allow me to test new sounds and collaborations, providing flexibility and variety which in turn could appeal to a new audience. Through the collaborations, I will help amplify, cross-promote, and tap into new fan bases by promoting other talented artists. Building off the Wilting Point album, these singles are personal in nature which will leave an impression on listeners creating a sense of community. With themes revolving around addiction, mental health, and loss there is a level of vulnerability. Sharing this vulnerability will spark conversations and interactions via social media and in person performances. This dialogue will help me build a dedicated fanbase and establish deeper connections with my listeners. By creating/sharing the ?Behind the Song' series, I open the door for fans to learn more about me, relate to the work, and reflect on their own experiences. This series will be shared on my music social media accounts (1200+ collective followers) and email newsletters (250+ subscribers) further engaging my audience and building rapport.; GOAL: Record three singles that showcase my artistic ability and craft on a professional level while highlighting my versatility and growing sound. Through collaborations I will achieve the level and quality I am after while strengthening my professional network. These singles align with my album Wilting Point and will eventually be released post-album to uphold momentum and capture a wider audience. By creating a strategic and patient release/promotion plan, I will demonstrate my musical maturity, commitment and dedication to growing my audience. OUTCOMES: Self-engineer/record drums, guitar, bass, vocals and keys for each single. Gain insight/improve communication and business skills through collaborations; receive keys, guitar, and vocal .wav files to add to final songs.Create promotional release plan and ?Behind the Scenes' series by drafting three newsletters (one for each song), documenting via photos/notes throughout process, and creating social media content. Promote work on social media. In 2020 I taught myself how to record on a professional recording program resulting in my first solo studio album 'Canvas and Color'. I wrote, arranged, and performed all aspects of this album; the result was a successful National Radio Campaign and a growing fan base through regional touring. 'Wilting Point' was created with this same process, however this time I invited collaborators to contribute. My diverse professional performance and recording experience demonstrates my ability to work well with others while highlighting the many influences that inform my music to be unique. These singles will be recorded at the same studio Wilting Point was created at, providing familiarity, comfort and confidence in the space, equipment, and recording program. I have been awarded three ARAC grants, proving my ability to plan, organize, and implement projects in a timely and professional manner, demonstrating my dedication and commitment to my music craft.; Engineer/record three singles, setting me up for future post-production and distribution on major streaming platforms. Throughout the project I will take notes on the collaborations, reflecting on what is working well and where I need to improve my communication. This insight will be used in future projects. Receiving .wav files of collaborators instrumentation will add depth to the songs. Complete release strategy for each single including outlining a schedule for when the songs will be shared, editing photos, writing content, and drafting posts for social media and e-newsletter. Track engagement through social media and newsletter with the goal of 50 additional newsletter subscribers and 100 new cumulative social media followers (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube) Track engagement of 'Behind the Song' series through comments/likes/shares on social media, replies/opens/forwards of e-newsletter, and conversations at live shows; even one connection will prove this series worthwhile.

Project Manager
First Name
Cory
Last Name
Coffman
Organization Name
Cory T. Coffman
State
MN
Phone
(218) 409-9266
Email
cocoffman13@gmail.com
Administered By
Administered by
Location

Griggs Midway Building, Suite 304,
540 Fairview Avenue North,
St. Paul, MN 55104

Phone
(651) 539-2650 or toll-free (800) 866-2787
Email the Agency
Location

424 West Superior Street, Suite 104
Duluth, MN 55802

Phone
Project Manager: Rebecca Graves
218-722-0952
Email the Agency