Photo: My Goodness
Photo: Smith and Milton
Being able to buy music combined with original art for charity sound too good to be true, right? It’s exactly what Secret 7″ have achieved, taking 7 tracks from 7 well known musicians and pressing them 100 times to 7″ vinyl every year. They then ask the public and professional artists to design a record sleeve, resulting in one of a kind sleeve for every vinyl. These records then go on sale on Record Store Day (19th April this year).
The Music
2014’s 7 amazing tracks are from best-known musicians from across the globe, ranging from famous established bands to talented artists whose careers have just begun. I would be excited to have any of them on record!
The Artwork
Once Secret 7″ have sorted through the artwork submissions, 700 sleeves will be exhibited Downstairs At Mother in London on 12 & 13th April. On Record Store Day it’s time to get your hands on one, for £45 each, an investment that requires a bit of thought before I buy! However, the mystery adds to the experience of buying a record as, until you’ve paid, you won’t know who has designed the sleeve or even which track you’ve bought…
The Charity
Secret 7″ began in 2011 as an alternative to charity auctions, giving money to Teenage Cancer Trust. This year they’re supporting War Child, a fantastic charity helping children and families whose lives have been blighted by war in Africa and the Middle East.
In the last 3 years Secret 7″ have gained a fantastic following and this year people have been flooding their letterbox as well as the internet with artwork submissions. St Ainolopa and Anna Rack are both illustrators who have blogged about the beautiful artwork they’ve submitted this year. There’s plenty more to see on Twitter using #secret7s and Instagram by following @secret7s and getting behind the scenes peeks at submissions and the decision process!
Bring on Record Store Day!
