An Interview with Vanessa of Acoustic Alchemists

LP: How did Acoustic Alchemists begin? What made you want to start Acoustic Alchemists?

Vanessa Hodges: I had started FacemelterKCmusic in February of 2024 as a way to support bands that Chris E and I enjoy and create full bills we could present to venues. Our focus was Malikai, the band Chris is in.  

Once we started identifying the different bands to play with, we met more and more bands we weren’t familiar with. Less than two months later, one of those band’s members had mentioned to an emerging musician that they had seen at an open mic, who was interested in being on some shows to contact me, and that I might be able to help. 

Because of their conversation and subsequently talking with the musician, I realized that while FacemelterKCmusic was focused on bands that I’d need to create a new “group” or modify how I add solo artists to bills. In March, I believe, I started adding solo acoustic musicians in shows as a filler between bands. It was so well received that other bands came to me about playing acoustic solos and duos, that I decided there needed to be a collective of musicians who could collaborate with others and build a unity with other musicians - and the Acoustic Alchemists was born. I took the reins as Manager/Owner of the collective of musicians looking to collaborate with others, foster community within and support each other. 

LP: How do people join Acoustic Alchemists? 

Vanessa Hodges: Joining is interesting. A collective needs some sort of harmony. If I was going to jump in the deep end,  I needed individuals that were as interested as myself. So while solo artists may reach out about joining, if they had a requirement of an hourly rate of pay or only interested in promoting themselves, then they wouldn’t be a good fit for it. The mission or goal isn’t about raking in cash for self promotion. It is too new for that, nor part of the scope. 

Like any new or existing band, musician, or artist, you have to grow organically: build your presence, support others and be present / actively involved in its creation with self and team promotion. 

I created some basic “interview” questions that allowed me to vet out individuals, to see the level of involvement and time available and if the interest was self or a combo of self and team-driven. I determined I had the bandwidth to support 10-12 musicians and also have additional musicians that had interest but less time available.

LP: What is your favorite thing about Acoustic Alchemists?

Vanessa Hodges: My favorite thing is hard to put into words. The simplest term but is more complex is fostering a community with similar goals; seeing solo artists who prior to AA were suddenly realized to be the breath of the musicians within our community and watching them partner up with other solo artists, to then see them create duets, stretch their abilities by trusting in the vision and perform together at various venues. Everyone knows it’s a work in progress and they support it.