The Walden Family records their 1st independent full length Family Album "I've got a song in my heart"

Who is The Walden Family anyways? (Brandon, Stephanie, Sterling, Elle and baby Sophie)

Here's their story...

Stephanie and Brandon have been married almost 9yrs. They had both led worship in church together for years before and after they got married. A few years ago Stephanie began writing songs with Sterling (their eldest daughter / 6yrs old) to entertain and encourage her. As the years went on they began singing those songs in church for the little ones encouraging them as well. Parents often asked them to record these songs, but due to lack of finances and procrastination (the Walden's admit), they just had not yet. Well, here they are now in Kansas City and the stars aligned properly and they just felt the time was right to move forward. They were also given a substantial gift earlier in the year towards this project and just didn't have any excuse to wait any longer. 

This children's album is NOT like every other children's album. They wrote most of these songs during the hardest season of their lives. 4 1/2yrs ago The Walden Family's business failed due to the Real Estate market downturn. Brandon lost his job and they systematically lost everything they owned. What does this have to do with a children's CD? Well...Most of these songs were written during that struggle while they learned and taught their children how to trust God. Although the songs were just meant to be little words of encouragement to their children, they found themselves encouraged over the years as well. Sterling helped in the writing process as well on many of the songs. The title track itself, I've got a song in my heart, was inspired by her as she walked around the house saying, "Mommy... I have a song in my heart and it needs to come out." You'll hear Sterling and Daddy sing a song together, Hide and Seek. (Disclaimer: Have your tissues ready) All of us remember songs from our childhood when we were at camp or in Sunday School. Most all of us can even sing the words from memory if needed. However, how many of us can say that any of those songs helped us get through a difficult time?...or taught us a deep truth about who the Father is?...or how much God really loves us? Well, not many of us. 

The Walden Family moved to Kansas City July 2011 by faith. They felt God calling them to KC. Along the way they spoke to a dear friend and KC native, Beau Micah Davidson. Beau is the brains behind the sound and production of this album. When approached about producing this project it just made sense to he and The Walden Family. He had been hoping to do a children's/family album for quite some time. The KC Boiler Room, the community The Walden Family and Beau are a part of is full of kiddos. Many of the kiddos were able to sing Background Vocals on several songs. He and The Walden Family wanted to the album to have a fun, carefree vibe, but also to be well thought out musically so that the adults could appreciate and enjoy it as well. Some of the songs have drums, upright bass, piano, banjo, mandolin, etc. Others are less produced with just piano, percussion and vocals. It will have an organic folky sound to it. The Walden Family has finished most of the tracking of the album with the gift they were given earlier in the year and some of their own cold hard cash. Now they just need the funds to complete the album and get everything pressed and printed. Once funding is complete they go back to the studio to finish the balance of tracking, mixing, mastering and printing the CD's. 

Breakdown of addition funds needed:

$1,000 additional studio recording costs for final tracking

$1,000 for printing and pressing the CD (physical copies) - 1000 copies

$750 Mastering

$750 Graphics

$500 Kickstarter & Amazon fees + shipping cost for rewards

Why Kickstarter???

Well... Kickstarter is set up so that you make a pledge to help a project you wish to support make it to the real world. They're the best at supporting such causes. Not to mention, they make sure that you get something for what you give. Maybe you just want an copy to download for your iPod, check out Rewards #2. Maybe you want The Walden Family to sing a telegram to you or your little ones via the phone or Skype, check out Rewards #7. Maybe you want a personalized copy of the album with the Walden Family singing your kids name(s) on one of their songs, Believe...if so, check out Rewards #9.  Lastly, if The Walden Family fails to raise the entire amount needed, you are not charged ANYTHING. Yes, you read that right. Kickstarter is ALL or NOTHING. The Walden Family has put lots of time and money in to getting this far...but, if they fail to raise the final $4,000 needed by August 1st 11:59pm, the album may never see the light of day. This budget has no fluff. It is bare bones. 

During the Kickstarter The Walden Family will be sending out updates via facebook and twitter and email the fundraising campaign. Also, there will be a link provided to a 3 song sampler within the coming days. Follow Brandon & Stephanie on twitter (@DearMrWalden & @WaldenStephanie) or like them here ---> Facebook on their facebook page.

Your help is much needed and much appreciated.