The Gnu's Room has given many local bands and musicians an opportunity to play in front of a live audience, and now those bands are looking to give back -- in the form of a Christmas album.
Teacup and the Monster, Adventure of the Great, Low June, Ellington Way and Lonely Wolves are just some of the bands recording songs for the album.
Ellington Way, formed by Auburn University students Benjamin Hoefling and Carley Boone, were more than happy to be a part of the production.
"Jake Carnley of Teacup and the Monster asked us to jump in on the project with them and some other artists," said Boone. "We loved the idea, so we were a 'yes' right off the bat."
Boone said because they have only been playing together for about three months, they're still figuring out their style and sound, but would describe it as easy listening. "We're laid back and acoustic," she said.
"We play there (The Gnu's Room) like once a month, so it's pretty consistent," Hoefling said. "It was the first legit show we played, and it's been a good home for us."
Scott Waters, broadcast associate at WEGL 91.1, formed Low June along with his wife Ashley, and they will be recording one song for the album.
"Whenever we have new bands come in, which has been a lot lately, I'm the one who records those," Waters said. "I met Jake when they came into the studio one day, and we recorded three or four tracks for them."
Waters and local Neil Kelly recently put on the Gnu Fall Festival, a fundraiser for The Gnu's Room.
"I asked Jake if they'd be willing to play and they were up for it, and from there they asked if we wanted to do the Christmas album," Waters said. "There's 10 bands involved, and we're all going to do one song."
Waters said there was supposed to be a show to promote the album, but mainly the sales of the record will go to benefit The Gnu's Room.
"We had intended on doing the collaborative album and kind of having a kickoff night with it there with everybody playing, but it may or may not happen at this point with finals coming up," Boone said.
Live show or not, The Gnu's Room has given local artists a place to play, which is why many want to help raise money.
"I think all of us have in common that The Gnu's Room has really benefited us and supported us in our music endeavors," Boone said. "So we all just want to give back."
Low June will play Friday, Nov. 16 at The Gnu's Room, and Ellington Way will play a kickoff show for its Christmas house show tour Thursday, Nov. 29. It will also release its first EP this spring.
Those interested in purchasing the Christmas album or making a donation can go to IndieGoGo.com/TheGnusRoom. The goal is to raise $600, and all proceeds will go straight to The Gnu Arts.
According to the website, for a $15 donation, the donor will be recognized with his or her name printed under the "Special Thanks" section, and for the $20 donation, the donor will receive an autographed poster.
For donating $50, the donor will receive a CD package with albums from Teacup and the Monster, Adventure the Great and Dave Potts.
Those contributing $100 to the cause will receive handwritten lyrics to a Teacup and the Monster song, as well as an Adventure the Great song. For $75 more, the donor will enjoy a private show by the two bands.
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