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How this project came to be, from the minds of those involved.

Part Two: The Rules of the Game
Written / compiled by Bruce Rich of NOVAchild

Late in 2002, Tuareg 2.0 was released by Bram bos and the yahoo-based discussion group was in full swing. It was about this time that I realized fully the extent of harmony and respect that the Tuareg members held for each other. A global synergy had been formed around a single software application in the most unique way. This synergy moved beyond anything I had ever seen in a social atmosphere, and so compelled me to request tracks frm everyone on the list for me to remix and release as a not-for-profit (or very little) NOVAchild release.

Seeing the folly of my ways, RJ Hooper from Big Cactus Studios suggested an alternate project, one involving everyone in the community and centered around a group release. After much conversation, it was decided that this release was to uphold certain guidelines and would incorporate the talents of Big Cactus to effectively produce, market and distribute the most unique CD project in the history of music.

Other people became involved. Quite enthusiastically, too, as the buzz was picked up and intensified by so many wonderful people.

Bram Bos, the creator of Tuareg, suggested some guidelines. Other people suggested additional guidelines, altered them, hacked at them, & ultimately the theme of "Tribal" and "World" proved consistent and the details fell into place. Seth Irving of Lobecast Radio organized the initial guidelines on his site, and Bram put up a page for announcing the buzz at the official Tuareg site. They are reposted here for reference:

Compilation Guidlines:

1. Theme should be a musical or audible representation of a place that has a special meaning to you: your home, a place you've visited once, someplace you wish to go one day, etc. etc. A place which inspires you to make this song (or soundscape or whatever).
   - The theme can be explained on the site we could make to support the project, using text, poetry, photography, any artwork. But this is a secondary initiative I'd say: first let's get that music flowing!)
2. A maximum duration of the track will be determined later, based on the number of participants
3. World music, tribal stuff.. anyone? Try to capture some of that tribal feel in the mix. Blow the dust off your tablas, get that shakuhachi off the shelves, tune your inuit ice drums or scare the ants out of your didge.
4. Deadline for your entry: January 7
5. In-Charge of Mixing/Mastering of Tracks: James Sweeney [of Big Cactus]

Thus we had a foundation and everyone began pounding out tracks. MP3s were scattered all over the web as key volunteers took up the task of unifying content and managing the productivity of two dozen independent artists. Big Cactus set up an FTP server to house the files, and many others were snail-mailed direct to Australia. Graphic artists began drumming up cover art ideas and the generous Yan (aka Nay-Seven) hosted these on his site.

To make a long story short, a cover was voted in (designed by myself) and the tracks were rounded up for mastering by the reknowned James Sweeney. Now it would be just a matter of time. The initial release date was pushed off (July 2003 for artists/demos and October 2003 for full release), and everyone sat in anticipation for the unveiling of Travels Tu Earth.

NEXT: Part III-A, Titles that Never Were

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