This is a test of the First Annual Meeting of Optimists.

First Annual Meeting of Optimists is a multimedia art and music project by Lafayette, IN rockers June IND, featuring 13 new tracks accompanied by song-inspired visuals from area artists.

We wanted to take some time to explain the ‘song-inspired visuals from area artists’ element of the First Annual Meeting of Optimists project.

It all began with the idea of making a video for each track.

We reached out to artist Stacy Bogan about it, asking, “Can you paint the face of the person that this song is about.” 

If we remember correctly, she asked, “Who’s it about?” We said, “You decide.”

From there, we gave her a track and lyric sheet, purchased some canvases, met up at a park, and hit record.

What you’re seeing is a test, of course, but this allowed us to develop a procedure for when this project is funded and we’re able to properly record and release everything.

Stacy’s test painting also allowed us to experiment with digitizing it (allowing for it to be repurposed for potential album art, a stand-alone lyric book, gallery exhibition, etc.).

You’ll be able to hear this track & others from our new project LIVE on October 16, 6 p.m. at People’s Brewing Company at June IND’s First Annual Meeting of Optimists People’s Pre-Launch Party.

Help fund the project by having beers at People’s on 10/16 or by contributing at https://bit.ly/juneindtips.