Weyburn's own Michael Froh is a singer, producer and performer whose decade-long commitment to his musical craft has recently earned his song, 'Positive Vibes' the #12 spot on iTunes. On October 17, two days after its release, the independently written single that was produced, recorded, mixed mastered and promoted by Froh himself, became a hit by being played and/or downloaded more than 6,000 times in just seven days.
In light of this recent success, in addition to his completely self-produced EP 'Herbal Remedies', which reached #1 on April 20, 2010 on the iTunes Electronic Charts, Froh has decided to make a big move - all the way to Toronto. He is asking for support, but in an unusually creative way.
Anyone can listen to the music Froh has produced online at soundcloud.com/michaelfroh, but they can also view a video recently posted by Froh at indiegogo.com/michaelfroh, wherein he explains some options for his fans and supporters to become involved in his upcoming project.
Froh wants to make an album, but this time he wants to use a professional studio and to hire experienced producers and musicians. Even though it is entirely possible to create music alone on a laptop, as Froh has done for a number of years, he wants to take his ability and his passion for music to the next level.
Since being laid off from his full time job earlier this year, Froh has been living at home, working three different odd jobs, in order to save up as much as he can for his move and recording project. However, with only a couple more weeks left to reach his financial goal for his move, he is asking for additional support.
Froh noted that he is not interested in panhandling, but in providing opportunities for his fans and supporters to invest in his music.
On indiegogo site, Froh has included a number of creative ways for people to help him out in his venture. The 'perks' for donating include everything from a public thank you to becoming executive producer of Froh's album. One can buy, in advance, a digital copy of the album for just ten dollars, which will be released in advance to those helpful supporters.
In recent months, Froh has been using his own closet to do his vocal recordings.
"I used my closet for vocal recordings," said Froh. "I've always done everything myself, which means it's been me, hitting record on my laptop and running into the vocal booth to record my vocals and then running back to my computer to edit."
Froh wants to take his cat and his home studio to Toronto, not only because he wants to record a professional album with any collaborators imaginable, but because he recognizes the metropolis' scene to be a more appropriate fit for his musical style.
Since electronic music is played in clubs and dance halls, as a DJ, Froh has only two options in the entire province where he can even book a show.
"There's a big opportunity for that in Toronto," he said. "I've opened up for some fairly decent artists, who don't typically make their way out to this part of Canada."
Froh's goal is to make his living as a full time musician and DJ, working on his next album.
He has made albums professionally before, but under the dollar of a record label. Froh prefers to remain independent.
"I love being the master of my domain and also seeing the outcome of my actions," he said, adding that he loves the process of being hands-on, fostering an organic growth of his music.
With the recording industry going through a number of changes, Froh noted that the independent artists have just as much of a chance to achieve success.
Froh's background, having been in bands in the past that have signed with labels, has included music management training. He has always had an interest in the business side of music.
"I'm always looking to get a little more knowledge in any way possible," he said, adding that he looks forward to picking the brains of some of his network connections in Toronto.
Froh attributes his independence to a strong foundation grounded in farming and family values.
"I am not looking to run away from Saskatchewan and never come back," he said. "I have all of my family here. I would love to be part of hopefully someday an expanding music scene here."
