COMPLACENCE BREEDS MEDIOCRITY.

WHAT IS THE EXCUSE FOR NOT
STRIVING FOR THE GREATER THING?

// YET ANOTHER ANCIENT A THOUSAND ARMS PROVERB //

IT CAME FROM THE GARAGE…

THE ORIGINS OF A THOUSAND ARMS

Whether hammering out riffs surrounded by layers of less-than-sanitary carpet samples acquired from the dumpster behind Pierce Flooring™ or slogging through a print run of shirts in an uninsulated lean-to in the grip of a brutal Montana winter, the ethos and attitude of Do-It-Yourself was forged and hardened in the literal garage.

The trials exacted by less-than-ideal creative spaces taught us the value of perseverance and refining our craft to the point where we could gradually make the steps up and out of them to realize our vision and to then assist others embarking on that same journey.

BUILDING A BETTER BAND SHIRT

OR, "WHY DOES OUR MERCH SUCK?"

This is a question we have earnestly asked ourselves numerous times along our 20+ year journey. Our earliest bands wanted to have the coolest merch in the game but every time we received an order it never quite delivered the impact we had envisioned. We could lazily blame the printers, but in all honesty, we had no clue what we were doing or how to communicate what we wanted to the people who would be producing it for us.

This led us back to our trusty DIY ideology where we bought ourselves a screen-printing press and taught ourselves how to use it. Many years spent learning the craft have allowed us to build a host of services which fulfill every want and need a band or brand could have, facilitate those in a clear and concise manner, all while retaining the integrity of what a handshake deal used to stand for.

BEYOND THE TEE…

BREAKING THE MERCH INDUSTRY MOLD

Starting our first band on MySpace and proceeding to adapt and evolve our promotion techniques across a progressively-expanding spectrum of digital platforms, we came to a realization shared by many members of the music industry; we were losing touch with the experience... literally. The scramble toward the ease and convenience of digital music left us without the tactile element that enriches the whole affair of engaging with this art form.

We can confidently say that we have pushed this concept further than most by offering not only vinyl records and shirts, but limited-edition expanded deluxe box sets which have incorporated coffee, ceramic cups, bronze coins, wood slip-cases, vodka, honey, tea and much more. These are curated in the hopes that the once digital-audio-only experience can be replaced by something much more fulfilling and rewarding.

CJ

Starting a band in high school sparked a lifelong passion for music and creativity for CJ. This early experience became the foundation for pursuing new musical projects in college, where CJ began to explore not just the art of making music but also the business of sustaining it. Over the years, each musical endeavor demanded more than just talent—it required a combination of hard work, resourcefulness, and a willingness to think outside the box to build the infrastructure necessary to support and elevate the art.

Driven by a relentless work ethic and a deep commitment to the creative process, CJ has continually pushed boundaries, finding innovative ways to merge artistry with business. From designing unique strategies to promote and support music to building a platform that fosters community and collaboration, CJ’s journey reflects a belief that music is as much about connection as it is about creation.

A Thousand Arms is a multifaceted business that supports artists through screen printing and design, record label services, and an online store. Every project is an opportunity to reimagine possibilities, driven by a commitment to growth, innovation, and the enduring power of music.

CJ is the owner of A Thousand Arms and guitarist in RANGES.

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

FOLLOW THE LINKS TO OUR SERVICE-SPECIFIC SITES