About this project
What's the big idea?
'The Heart Collector' will be an all-acoustic recording—something I've never done before. I'll be singing and playing guitar, I may overdub a few other acoustic instruments, and three of the songs will have string-trio arrangements accompanying my vocal & guitar. I want the songs to shine on their own, without much window-dressing, and I want to push myself as a singer and solo performer. I want to know that I'm digging deep for the songs, and that I can give them the delivery they deserve. 'The Heart Collector' will be my proving ground.
To make sure 'The Heart Collector' sounds absolutely incredible, I've enlisted producer/engineer/arranger Mark Orton (Tin Hat, the Old Joe Clarks). Mark and I worked together a few years ago on my production 'Postcards from Gypsyland' for the Hot Club of San Francisco, and I loved every minute in the studio with him. Mark has big ears and an even bigger heart, and he knows how to capture every nuanced pling and whoar of all things stringed. We'll be recording at his home studio in Portland, OR.
The songs for 'The Heart Collector' will mostly be from a batch I wrote earlier this year. I made a pact with myself, in February, to finish a song a week. I did—for 20 weeks straight—resulting in a bumper-crop of new material. This new CD will feature the cream of that crop, plus a few holdovers from the past year or so. I am proud of this music, and I'm excited by the opportunity to present it in the best way I know how.
"Once your goal is met, where does all that money go?" I'm glad you asked. Half of the money will go toward music production costs (paying Mark for his estimable skills, as well as hiring the string ensemble, the mastering engineer, and so on; then there's there's the artwork, and the cost of manufacturing CDs; plus other expenses, such as hard-drives and lunch). The other half of the budget will support publicity and advertising, helping ensure that the music actually gets heard.
If you've ever wanted to do something direct and personal to support an artist you'd like to see thrive, here's your golden opportunity. You can help me reach my goals. Yes, you.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
~Adam
FAQ
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174
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$20,810
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on August 30, 2010.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
A custom Adam Levy / The Heart Collector guitar pick shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), plus a digital download of album once it's released.
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
A signed pre-release copy of the new CD ‘The Heart Collector’ shipped to your home (anywhere in the world). And a custom Adam Levy / The Heart Collector guitar pick.
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
A signed pre-release copy of the new CD ‘The Heart Collector’ shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), along with a second disk containing bonus material—outtakes, demos, and orphaned songs. And a guitar pick.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
A signed limited-edition book of photographs shot during the making of ‘The Heart Collector.’ Plus a signed pre-release copy of the new CD ‘The Heart Collector’ shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), along with a second disk containing bonus material—outtakes, demos, and orphaned songs. And a guitar pick.
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
A 1-hour private guitar lesson with me, anywhere in the NYC metro area—or worldwide, via video-chat. Plus a signed pre-release copy of the new CD ‘The Heart Collector’ shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), along with a second disk containing bonus material—outtakes, demos, and orphaned songs. And a guitar pick.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
I will write a song about you (or about anyone/anything you suggest) and include the song on ‘The Heart Collector.’ Plus a signed pre-release copy of the new CD ‘The Heart Collector’ shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), along with a second disk containing bonus material—outtakes, demos, and orphaned songs. And a guitar pick.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
I will cover any song you suggest, record a video of my performance, and post it on YouTube—personally dedicated to you (or to anyone you’d like). Plus a signed pre-release copy of the new CD ‘The Heart Collector’ shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), along with a second disk containing bonus material—outtakes, demos, and orphaned songs. And a guitar pick.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
I will perform a 75-minute solo concert in your home (anywhere in continental US). Plus a signed pre-release copy of the new CD ‘The Heart Collector,’ along with a second disk containing bonus material—outtakes, demos, and orphaned songs. And a guitar pick. This reward is also available in Denmark, for a limited time only: 18–23 Sept. C'mon, you lovely Danes. You know you want a house concert, a garden party, a salon soiree....
Pledge $2,500 or more Pledge $2,500 or more
You will be credited as Executive Producer on 'The Heart Collector.' Plus you can choose from any or all of the other available prizes. And a guitar pick.
Project By
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I am a guitar player, singer, and songwriter, based in NYC. As a guitarist, I've been featured on albums by Tracy Chapman, Norah Jones, and Amos Lee. Something funny happened a few years ago—I started writing my own songs. This new adventure has reinvigorated my passion for music and I guess I’ve got a knack for it. Offbeat mag says I have "potential to pen material for the next Great American Songbook."
