You can have your say in new album

aclaridge@thekmgroup.co.uk Canterbury Scene band Caravan are planning a new album – but want your support doing it.

The group is using a pioneering type of music production which frees them from record companies.

Pledge Music has fans contributing to the cost of the album, but they have a say in shaping its content.

Pye Hastings, 66, who has been the lead singer of the group since its formation in the city in the 60s, reckons the group needs around £20,000 to produce their 23rd album.

He said: “This is a brilliant concept which allows artists to connect with their fans. There’s no more having to deal with some snotty kid who runs the A&R department telling us what we should be doing. Pledge Music have created a platform where you can do virtually whatever you like, so we can start with at least 10 new songs, but depending upon what the pledgers want, this can be extended to include extra tracks, different mixes, live studio recordings of back catalogue tracks, daily short clips from the studio and more.

“The fun and trauma of recording has never truly been passed on to the fans. You’ve only ever got the finished product. Now you can be a part of the whole process.”

Caravan blended psychedelic rock and jazz to create the Canterbury Scene’s unique sound. Pye formed the band with David Sinclair, Richard Sinclair and Richard Coughlan in 1968. Today it has five members – Geoff Richardson, Jim Leverton, Jan Schelhaas, Mark Walker and Pye.

Most of the group still live in east Kent. But Pye, who lived in Canterbury for most of his life, moved to Scotland six years ago. Last year he was awarded an honorary music fellowship by Canterbury Christ Church University at the cathedral.

The £20,000 the group needs will pay for everything from studio time, sleeve art, CD production and promotions.

Log on to www.pledgemusic. com/ projects/caravan.