The Story of Random Task Collective Calgary, Alberta
Before you read a word of this, listen to this. You’re listening to Random Task Collective, a band of 15 and 16 year olds headed up by Connor-Harvey Derbyshire. Obviously these guys have talent. But talent isn’t enough when you’re 15 years old and you’re trying to convince music venues to give you a shot. Too often, young bands are written off; people assume they don’t know what they’re doing, and they worry that their audiences will be disruptive, disrespectful, or destructive. “I think one of the issues is sometimes there’s a history or a misconception that a young band can’t get it together or that they don’t understand how to approach people professionally with a bit of a plan ...” says band manager (and proud mother) Patti Derbyshire.
These were some of the barriers that stood in the way when Random Task Collective (RTC) decided to create a monthly showcase for under-age bands called Collective on Sundays. YouthScape Calgary has supported this vision with more than just money – we were also able to help with strategies, connections and credibility. Patti Derbyshire says YouthScape helped to break down barriers with venue managers by demonstrating that this band has a larger community behind it.
The reputation of CYFC, and the advice offered by Andrew and others, helped to convince venue managers at Cantos and Loose Moose Theatre to take a chance on these young people. The results have exceeded anyone’s expectations. Both Cantos and Loose Moose are sold on the idea, now that they’ve seen a few showcases in action. They want to continue to feature young bands in their venues.
Susie Forsyth, one of the young artists featured at Collective on Sundays
So far, audiences at Collective on Sundays have ranged from 60 to 110 people
Word is spreading… The success of Collective on Sundays has led to other opportunities. Recently, RTC and the other Collective on Sundays artists were approached by Rogers and Youth Week to host the “Collective Slam” at the Calgary Stampede Corral on May 2nd. RTC will also be heading up the first ever youth stage at the Sled Island Music Festival. What’s perhaps most exciting about the Sled Island opportunity is that the sponsors for that stage (Alberta Dairy Producers) see a lot of value in the model that RTC has created, and they’re wanting to replicate it in other cities. Talk about a ripple effect!
Another way in which this project is creating ripples is in its focus on community development and capacity building. Collective on Sundays is about more than just performing. Connor and RTC are committed to creating a community of young artists, peer mentors, and adult coaches. One way this plays out is that Collective on Sundays features an adult ‘guru’ at each showcase. The guru is someone who has experience in the music business and can offer coaching and advice about building sustainable music careers. The topics for the first six showcases include:
Who you need on your team
The life of a professional musician
The parent’s role in a supporting a young artist
Graphic design
Marketing on a shoestring
Taking care of your music
YouthScape Calgary is privileged to be supporting such a caring, driven, talented group of young people and adult allies.
For more information and to listen to Random Task Collective, visit their website
