Art of the Song, vol. 1 contains unique arrangements of popular songs by bands as diverse as Radiohead, AC/DC and Tears for Fears, as well as four original compositions. The genre in a broader sense, can be called jazz and is a blend of improvisation, singer/songwriter, rock, ambient sound and even includes a taste of New Orleans. Trumpeter Mark Rapp says, “The tracks are filled with great melodies. From jazz to rock to country to whatever, it’s honest, soulful expression that is our goal.” Guitarist Derek Lee adds, “We explore the art of the song both written and improvised.”

Jazz trumpeter Mark Rapp and guitarist/vocalist Derek Lee Bronston, collectively known as The Song Project, are releasing this music as a complete album experience in the form of an iPhone/iPad App called an Applum via Apple’s App Store. These two musicians have defined their careers by innovating on their instruments, in composing and as players. It’s no surprise then, that they would choose uncharted territory to release their debut recording.

Award wining designer/photographer Sean Mosher-Smith, responsible for artwork for music stars such as Iggy Pop, Lenny Kravitz and K.T. Tunstall, is the designer and photographic contributor to The Song Project’s Applum. Sean states, “The beauty and elegance of the iPad and new iPhone is a compelling and brilliant canvas on which to present my artwork. Couple that with this great music and you have an awesome experience.”

When asked if releasing a recording as an application was limiting, ‘The Song Project’ responded, “We are presenting a complete concept, a rich and full experience with all the advantages and elegance this new technology has to offer. We’re advancing the way you experience a recording.” The Applum combines music, art, design and technology packaged and delivered via Apple’s iPad and iPhone. It takes advantage of the high resolution retina display making a visually stunning and sonically compelling modern Digital Album/Applum.

“We’re extremely excited to be supporting Mark and Derek on The Song Project,” said Michael Kauffman, SVP of Sales and Marketing at RightsFlow. “Both are inspiring innovators on their instruments as well as with technology, and we look forward to helping them reach high notes.”

The Applum is coined and created by app gurus theConspiracy, a Brooklyn based tech+design company, in partnership with the digital music company Paved Earth Music. ‘The Song Project’, initially a digital collaboration between Mark and Derek Lee, became a fully realized concept with their first gigs in the Spring of 2010 which included venues in Switzerland and New York City.

The duo’s focus is on the exploration of song both written and improvised. They will offer limited quantities of physical CD’s at live performances and rumor has it, limited edition vinyl.

Licensing support for this project is provided by Limelight, a service of RightsFlow.  Limelight is the simplest way to clear cover songs.  You can easily secure the necessary mechanical license to cover ANY SONG for U.S. distribution for your digital, CD or ringtone release.