Q: What is the Collective Intelligence?
A: Well, that isn't always an easy question to answer, as it is a lot of things to a lot of people. Simply put, the CI is a group of eight friends from very similar places (both geographically as well as mentally) who enjoy playing music together. They've formed numerous bands and solo and side projects over the years, and continue doing so to this day.
Q: But isn't the CI the record label of happy-go-poppy bands such as Venus Euphoric and Ultima?
A: Well, in a way, that is true. The CI is the mantle over our collective shoulders, holding us all together where it's warm. The CI does try to do all it can for the bands and projects to which it lays claim. But the eight musicians who comprise the bands are essentially the "staff" of the CI as well.
Q: Could my band sign on with the CI, like I would to a traditional record label?
A: Currently, we are unable to accept outside bands/musicians. It's not really the elitist thing that we're too cool to let anyone else in, but rather the fact that we barely do enough for our own bands to justify our existence, and we're certainly not in a place to be able to help out new bands all that much.
Q: Am I to understand that all your music is free? All that lovely music that you've spent countless man hours creating?
A: This is true, for the most part. We do charge for the few cd's that we've had professionally whipped up using money from our own shallow pockets. But after much debate, the free download method just seems to fit the overall spirit of our projects the best. Not every member of the CI feels comfortable charging money for music. If we knew you personally, and you were to walk up to us and ask for a CD, we'd gladly burn one for you, write stuff on it with a sharpie, and give it to you. In fact, we'd probably try to push so much new music that you've never heard of and never wanted to that you'd wish you never asked.
Q: How do I know what Collective Intelligence band is right for me?
A: Well, listening to them at your leisure is certainly the best answer. But if you feel daring and adventurous, write us a note with your five favourite bands, and we'll recommend you up something tasty.
