The three primary goals of the Gypsies Killing Unicorns organization are to create a band owned record label, strengthen the music community and to improve society as a whole. In order to meet these goals we set forth this document as a guide for action and a statement of intent. This is not to be interpreted as a guiding text of by-laws but as a philosophy, an overview of what we are and the tenets that we hold to be important. Nothing within this organization should ever be considered binding because then things become static and creative process is sacrificed. These three primary goals are broken down in the following text as to give clarity.
The ultimate goal is of coarse to get our bands into the studios and then out on the road, as well as in the hands of as many people as possible. In order to do so we are prepared to take those fundraising approaches that will generate funds in order to pay for studio time, production costs, a creative space, and a tour bus. The selection process, as well as business decisions involving resource allocations will be decided democratically at monthly meetings of all active GKU members. The day to day business decisions shall be made by the board. The board will also be the ones presenting issues to be voted upon. Issues to be presented to the board will be raised at monthly meetings in turn. Options for band selection for albums include but are not limited to demo submission and subsequent voting, a battle of the bands, decision by nominations and subsequent voting, etc… We believe that it is less the process than the concept that should be stuck to.
In order to strengthen music community our members work together on and off the stage. We endeavor together to book shows and share ideas, tours and concepts. There will be a GKU publication for the more ephemeral and a Calendar with available dates on it to make show booking easier between bands. Workshops and resource sharing are fundamental to our cause. Other suggestions for our members are to sponsor high school bands, make sure to attend each others shows and to keep record of venues from tours. We are very interested in forming other branches around the Southeast and then ultimately the entire country. To this end outreach to touring bands is of a large concern.
Every month there will be an official GKU benefit show. Many of these will help to fund the organization but a lot of others will be to promote certain causes or just to help out the downtrodden who are brought to the attention of our members. The recipient of every benefit will be decided democratically at the staging process. We will also be throwing GKU parties to the simple end of having fun and giving our fans a good time. Another public event will be our annual High School Battle of the bands.
So what is expected of our members? Well joining GKU is as simple as showing up to a meeting and paying the $10 which covers production costs on a compilation CD you will be put on with other members. Once in commitment and participation is expected of you . Members must be at the monthly meetings with a monthly due of $5. Beyond that attendance to events and participation in functions is necessary. The only way for a band to be officially cast out of the collective is by popular vote at an official meeting. You receive no vote if you do not pay your dues.
