Music and coffee go hand in hand—and now they are even further entwined thanks to the recent collaboration between Caffe Vita and Rudy’s Barbershop. For the first time, the two companies joined together to create a mix-tape. The compilation features the creative talents of their employees and is available now. To obtain access, customers must purchase a limited edition t-shirt that includes a download code. All the proceeds benefit young musicians through local nonprofit, Music Works Northwest. You can order the shirt and code online.
Below is the press release from Caffe Vita and Rudy’s Barbershop.
Image courtesy of Caffe Vita and Rudy’s Barbershop.
The Story:
At Rudy’s Barbershop Summit, a combination party and think tank for staff, two employees from opposite coasts met. Upon discovering they were both musicians, they had a late night discussion about the amount of artists and musicians they counted among their coworkers.
From this conversation grew the idea for a mixtape; one that would showcase the wide range of talent and sound they worked with every day. 17 tracks were chosen out of the overwhelming number of submissions for the first ever Rudy’s x Vita “Buzzed Cuts” mix-tape. From alt-country, metal, hip-hop, and electronic music, the tape is as special and diverse as we are. A special audio testament to the creative energy inherent in the brands.
In total, 17 musicians and bands from Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, and New York were chosen out of an overwhelming number of submissions for the project, which will be released independently on August 29, 2014. “I am humbled by the creative energy I’m surrounded by here at Rudy’s. We are fortunate to count so many artists and musicians among the Rudy’s family. So, when the idea as presented to us by our employees, we jumped at the chance to support it.” said Vy Le, CEO of Rudy’s Barbershop.
Once Rudy’s approached Caffe Vita about the mix-tape project, owner Mike McConnell invited his talented employees to submit music for consideration. “Caffe Vita is driven by the originality in our community and we are always looking for ways to give local talent a platform through Vita Records, Loft Sessions and Bean Room shows. Partnering with Rudy’s on this compilation, embodies our local independent spirit and serves our mission of giving back by donating proceeds from ‘Buzzed Cuts’ to Music Works Northwest,” said Mike McConnell of Caffe Vita.
Matt Vaughn of Easy Street Records and Jason Baxter of Hardly Art (part of Sub Pop) also signed on to pick their favorite songs from the submissions at Rudy’s and Vita through starting August 22 thru Oct 1, 2014. Customers are invited to come by and cast votes for their favorite song in-person or on Facebook and Twitter (#BuzzedCuts). “I really appreciate projects like Buzzed Cuts because they help shine a light on quality local music that might otherwise go unrecognized. Seattle is a hotbed of creativity, and its exhilarating to learn just how much talent our city has lurking just beneath the surface.” Said Jason Baxter of Hardly Art.
Track List:
- Rudy’s: Fever Dream – Everything I Am
- Rudy’s: Sunmore Son – face>name
- Caffe Vita: The Haywards – Friend Endangered
- Rudy’s: Keaton Collective – Get in yr Truck (Shut the Door)
- Caffe Vita: Hearts Are Thugs – Gravity
- Rudy’s: The Wayne Gretzkys – Its So Peaceful
- Rudy’s: Sailor Mouth – Man vs. God
- Rudy’s: Hubert Guy – Mezmorized
- Rudy’s: Mike Giacolino and Ole Tinder – Over and Under
- Caffe Vita: Ross Beamish – Microhistory
- Rudy’s: Timbre Baron- Ruling Class
- Rudy’s: Eric Sanders – Skin Fade
- Caffe Vita: NODDY – Money (That’s What I Want)
- Rudy’s: The Strong Silent Type – Spokane
- Rudy’s: Fine Prince – Steady Climb
- Rudy’s: Blood Buddies – Stone & Star
- Caffe Vita: Winnebago – Blinders
Take a closer look at the shirt on Rudy’s Web store.
