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 ARMSWhether we were hammering out riffs in a cluttered garage or learning to screen-print shirts one layer at a time, A Thousand Arms was built on doing it ourselves — figuring things out with whatever we had and making it work.
Those early days in tight, imperfect spaces taught us the value of persistence and craftsmanship. Over time, we refined the process, leveled up the tools, and grew the vision — not just for ourselves, but to help others build something of their own.
BUILDING A BETTER BAND SHIRT
OR, "WHY DOES OUR MERCH SUCK?"It’s a question we asked ourselves more than a few times over the years. Like a lot of bands, we wanted our merch to reflect who we were — to actually look and feel right. But every time we got an order back, it fell short of the vision.
At first, we blamed the printers. But the truth is, we didn’t know what we were doing — or how to clearly communicate what we wanted. That realization led us back to our DIY roots. We bought a press, learned to print, and took control of the process ourselves.
Years of trial, error, and refinement brought us to where we are now — offering the kind of services we always wished we had. Reliable, intentional, and grounded in the kind of trust you used to seal with a handshake.
BEYOND THE TEE…
BREAKING THE MERCH INDUSTRY MOLDWe started our first band on MySpace and adapted along the way as the digital landscape kept shifting. But somewhere in that constant push for convenience, we — like a lot of people in the music world — started to feel disconnected. The physical experience of music was slipping away.
That realization became a driving force behind what we do now. We’ve worked hard to bring back the tactile side of music — not just through vinyl and shirts, but through limited-edition deluxe releases that go far beyond the norm. Over the years we’ve included everything from coffee and ceramic mugs to custom coins, wood slipcases, honey, vodka, and tea.
Each item is chosen with intention — to turn a listening experience into something immersive and meaningful. Something you can actually hold onto.
WHO’S BEHIND A THOUSAND ARMS?
A Thousand Arms was built from the ground up — by hand, with intention, and without shortcuts. At the center of it is CJ Blessum, a longtime musician and creative who has spent the better part of two decades learning how to bridge the gap between artistic vision and sustainable execution.
What began in high school bands and DIY print setups eventually grew into a full-scale operation supporting artists through screen-printing, design, fulfillment, and record label services. Every part of A Thousand Arms reflects CJ’s commitment to the creative process and his belief that music and art deserve to be experienced in a tangible, meaningful way.
CJ is also the guitarist in RANGES and continues to stay closely tied to the music world — not just as a facilitator, but as an active participant. He brings a relentless work ethic to everything he does, always more focused on putting in the hours and doing things right than chasing quick wins or easy money. It’s not the fastest way to build something — but it’s the one that lasts.
A Thousand Arms has always been more than just one person or one project. It’s grown through collaboration with bands, labels, designers, and friends who share a common vision — to build something meaningful with care and purpose. At its core, this is a community-first effort, rooted in the belief that the music world thrives when people support each other rather than compete. Over the years, what started as a small DIY operation has evolved into a kind of extended family — made up of artists, fans, and collaborators who believe in the value of independent art and the power of showing up for one another.
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
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