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Update #12: Backers Only Special on my upcoming "Besides" release...
For backers only,
Posted on September 27
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Update #11: Kickstarter download - Four (is here!)
For backers only,
Posted on October 23, 2010
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Update #10: New Birthday Song + Free Instant Download!
...baAck again!
..i've got a brand NEW birthday song for you to listen to. i wrote it for my good friend Taylor Locke who happens to be in the super-awesome band Rooney. Taylor & i have been friends for 4 years here in LA and we've collaborated on many songs...he's a true talent...and i wrote this song to make him laugh, i hope it will make you laugh too! (thanks to Taylor's mom for supporting me here on Kickstarter!)
LISTEN to "Taylor Locke (Rex Of Rocke)" here on SoundCloud:
http://soundcloud.com/bleutopia/bleu-taylor-locke-rex-of-rocke
...it's also available for FREE DOWNLOAD! (click the little downward arrow to download) ..i have 3 more birthday songs to write for Kickstarter pledges, and i've decided to make them all available for free...so if you like it, make sure to download it!
...for any new people reading this update on Kickstarter, there are still 2 more birthday songs available!! if you'd like to hear other songs i've written for people, listen here:
http://soundcloud.com/bleutopia/sets/bleu-birthday-songs
ThAnK YoU!
-bleu
Update #9: 7 Days Left!
For backers only,
Posted on August 29, 2010
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Update #8: New Fun Freebie: Custom Bleu Clayton USA guitar pick!
...i am newly endorsed by Clayton USA, and now have my own custom guitar pick! wEee!
...Clayton liked my "Metal Logo" and recently featured me as the Guitar Pick of the Week in their blog: http://www.steveclayton.com/blog/pick-collecting/pick-of-the-week-bleu/
(the logo used on this pick is similar to an old metal logo T-shirt i used to have as part of my merch, this new design was made by my friend Kiku...)
so now, everyone who pre-orders the $20 pledge reward or greater will receive this fun eXtra freebie in their package when we mail you your copy of FOUR. (!)
...this is the Acetal, triangular, 1.00mm...and yes, i actually lOve this pick...
thAnk you Clayton USA...
-bleu
Update #7: My new record label, 17 days left to pre-order FOUR, new BONUS rewards for Kickstarter pledges!
...i stiLL can't beLieve the inCredibLe support you guys are sending my way...
..these past few weeks have been very exciting and emotional for me because of Kickstarter (really..because of yoU..)..
we've got 17 more days to go, and i'd love to sell at least 400 copies of "FOUR," so pre-order your copy now!
+ SOME EXCITING REWARDS ARE STILL AVAILABLE:
- UK House Concerts! (i'm coming in October & i don't know when i'll be back again...!!)
- only 1 Skype songwriting session left!
- 1 hour video chat with me to talk about songwriting & anything else you'd like to ask me directly
- 3 custom tailored birthday songs left
- get my full CD catalog, + an autographed copy of FOUR, + Limited Edition T, + 4 (now 5) extra bonus tracks all for just $120 (only 4 of these packages left)
& more!
(email speck606@yahoo.com to ask questions about UK House Concerts/or the London dinner option)
in other exciting updates...
...i've officially started working with an LA based PR company (Think Press), and together we've started to lay the ground work of announcing "FOUR" to press & media...i've already been invited to be a featured artist of the week on magnetmagazine.com's website..and next week i record a little TV appearance on the John Kerwin show which airs on Direct TV (wheee..)....i'll aLsO be working with a Boston based independent radio promotions company who will help get my music to college, AAA and specialty radio all over the US...
....plus..i've been able to master the record, and we worked with one of our favorite graphic designers Janee Meadows to put together some really cool art for this thing...
...and this is just the beginning of what i'll be able to do with "FOUR" thanks to you guys...i wasn't able to hire any press or radio for "A Watched Pot," and it's only because of your direct pledges that i have this wonderful opportunity...
..but here's my biggest announcement (and you are all a part of it):
i've officially launched my own record label!
...i asked for name suggestions on Twitter and Facebook (thAnx everyone!), and then put several options out there for a vote (i was leaning towards this all along)...it's called --
THE MAJOR LABEL
..my label will be distributed nationally through Redeye Distribution!..and "FOUR" will be available in the US on Nov. 2nd!!!
...because you have all been so freakin' generous, i have some new bonus rewards to announce:
for hitting $30K on Kickstarter, i would like to give everyone who's pledged $12 or more an extra bonus track called "Take Cover" ..this was written the day of the Queens, NY plane-crash, shortly after September 11th, 2001..and originally recorded during the "A Watched Pot" sessions..
..and..if we hit $35k!, i'm going to give away the following:
- a special Kickstarter "thank you" webcast (this may be part show, part party, part chat and will happen in early November around street date for "Four")
- TWO more bonus tracks given out to everyone who pledges $12 or more on Kickstarter..these 2 tracks are "Save It For A Rainy Day" & my first ever dance/rock track (i'm going to keep the title secret..for now...)
- aaAand...be the FIRST to hear the first 2 songs for my NeXT record...when my first 2 songs are just about finished, i'll send you MP3s of the rough-mixes (which is something i basically never do, so you'll be getting truly unique versions of my songs..given out to everyone who pledges $12 or more on Kickstarter..)
.....neato (mosquito?)...
...and for everyone who's wondering what the song titles are for the 4 bonus tracks being offered with pledges of $50 or more, here they are:
1. When The Dog Day Comes
2. If...
3. Mailman's Son
4. Live-in the studio alternate version of B.O.S.T.O.N.
(..these are all tracks recorded and mixed during the "FOUR" sessions..)
...i know i sound like a record on repeat, but thAnk yOu, tHaNk YoU, THaNK YOu sOo muCh for supporting my music!!!!....
thAnx agAin (and AGAiN)!!!
-bLeu
p.s. if you want to check out some people i supported on Kickstarer, they are: Everybody Else (one of my favorite LA..former Boston bands!) - they have 31 hours left!
and Oh Darling - a great new LA pop band (i've been working a bit with their effervescent lead-sanger Jasmine!)
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bryan woolley on August 19, 2010
VERY cool to read an artist that appreciates his fans! Good luck with the new album, psyched for my download!
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Update #6: 4 Bonus Tracks offered with pledges of $50 or more:
...hellO...
many of you have been asking, what are the 4 bonus tracks i'll be getting with my pledge of $50 or more?...well...here they are:
1. When The Dog Day Comes
2. If
3. Mailman's Son
4. Live-in the studio alternate version of B.O.S.T.O.N.
(..these are all tracks recorded and mixed during the "FOUR" sessions..)
...thAnks,
-bleu
Update #5: International Orders (info)
...hellO...
we've had a few comments that Amazon is giving a bit of trouble with international orders. here is what the Kickstarter FAQ has to say about this:
I'm not in the US. Can I still pledge to projects?
Yes. You can pledge from anywhere.
I'm a non-US Amazon account holder and I can't make a pledge, what's up with that?
If you are a non-US Amazon Mechanical Turk user you may experience a problem trying to pledge. You'll need to create a new Amazon Payments account during check-out. Sorry this is annoying. We've alerted Amazon about this bug.
...please let us know if you have any troubles making an international pledge!
thank U,
-bleu
Update #4: Limited Edition Kickstarter T-Shirt (+ we tripled the goal!)!
...in just about 4 (ahem..."Four") days...we have tripled the goal here on Kickstarter! i want to continue to thank everyone for their support on this project and let me just say...i am sO excited for this CD release...!
..i am also excited to present the T-Shirt design for the Limited Edition shirt that will be included in all pledge packages of $40 or more (this T-shirt will not be available anywhere elSe!). my talented friend Janee who's working on all the art for "Four" created this design and i am in lOve...
i hope you like it too.
-bleu
p.s. the T-shirt is American Apparel, heather black, 50/50 blend, a super soft T (wash this puppy in cold water, and tumble dry on lOw...). Comes in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Update #3: Answers to some questions:
...you've asked some questions in the comments, here are a few answers:
Songs featured in my kickstarter video are:
"Singin' In Tongues" (opens the video)
"Everything Is Fine" (closes the video)
both songs will be on "Four"
Guest list tickets: since this campaign will not be funded until Sept. 5th, guest list tickets will be honored after that date. However, if you've pledged a package that includes guest list tickets, and want to inquire about my shows with Tracy Bonham, we *may* (no promises) be able to accommodate a *few* requests for those shows. you can email my manager Stacey: speck606@yahoo.com
also, if you have any questions about any of the other packages, email Stacey: speck606@yahoo.com
lastly...still not 100% confirmed *yet* but I am hoping to be UK bound in October! (for people who have asked, that's as close to Europe as I'll be able to get this year...)
Thank you!!!!
-bleu
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Ben Herden on July 25, 2010
Nice work, looking forward to hearing the finished goods. What are the chances of coming to Australia?
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Update #2: We reached our goal in 1 DAY! Thank You!
Hi everybody! ...i can't believe it, i am certainly in awe at today's response to my kickstarter campaign. i'm here in Boston rehearsing with a wonderfully talented string octet for 2 special shows i am playing at Club Passim on saturday night...we're recording the shows in HD and hopefully i'll be able to share these in the future....
...while i was rehearsing was when we hit and surpassed our goal! wOw....one day people! it's so amazing...and i honestly can't thank you enough....
...as the campaign continues, i will continue to bring you updates! with your help, this will be, IT ALREADY IS, the best CD release ever...please still help me spread the word on this, the more we're able to do here, the more i'll be able to promote and tour and continue to bring you new music...
...i can't wait to get the music into your hands now!
THANK YOU (infinity!)
xo,
-bleu
Update #1: $120 reward package
This reward package will now include *your name listed in the liner notes*...(Thanks Pablo! )
387
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$39,645
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0
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on September 5, 2010.
Pledge $1 or more
yAy! thanks for your pledge!
Pledge $5 or more
I'll send you 3 MP3s from "Four" week of CD Release
Pledge $12 or more
Receive a digital download of "Four" sent to you 2 weeks in advance of street date
Pledge $20 or more
A nice digipak CD copy of "Four" mailed to you anywhere in the world, digital download available 2 weeks in advance of street date (this includes shipping & handling!)
Pledge $25 or more
An *Autographed* copy of "Four" mailed to you anywhere in the world, digital download available 2 weeks in advance of street date (includes shipping & handling)
Pledge $40 or more
(Reward #6) An autographed copy of "Four" mailed to you, digital download available 2 weeks in advance of street date + Limited Edition hand silk screened "Four" American Apparel 50/50 T-Shirt
Pledge $50 or more
Every item from #6 above, Plus 4 (get it…"Four") unreleased Bleu songs!
Pledge $60 or more
Every item from #6 above, 4 unreleased Bleu songs, and get your name listed in the credits of my next CD (I've already started my follow up to "Four" just this month...)!
Pledge $80 or more
Every item from #6 above, 4 unreleased Bleu songs, and guest list to one of my future shows (Applies to these cities only: Boston, NYC, DC, Philly, Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, includes 2 guest list tickets)
Pledge $120 or more
Every item from #6 above, 4 unreleased Bleu songs, AND, my Full CD Catalog which includes: A Bing Bang Holidang, Headroom, Redhead, A Watched Pot, L.E.O. and The Major Labels!!! ONLY 10 of these packages are available!
Pledge $160 or more
Every item from #6 above, 4 unreleased Bleu songs, your name listed in the credits of my next CD, guest list good for 2 people to a future show, *with* a hand drawn, hand crafted Thank You card for your support!
Pledge $250 or more
Every item from #6 above, 4 unreleased Bleu songs, and a 1 hour video chat or interview with me on the art of songwriting! (Please allow up to 12 weeks to schedule your video chat)
Pledge $450 or more
Did you know that Bleu is an excellent cook? He will cook for you and 3 of your best friends a 3 Course Meal (+ him makes 4 people at dinner), plus you'll receive every item in #6 above & 4 unreleased Bleu songs. Cities available: Boston, NYC, DC, Philly, Nashville, and Los Angeles ONLY. Cost includes food & beverages shopped for by...Bleu! Only 6 dinner rewards available.
Pledge $550 or more
Buy a Bleu custom Birthday Song! I like to write Birthday Songs for my friends and family, you can hear some on iTunes right now (linked on the left). I will write, produce and deliver a master quality MP3 Birthday Song for you or your loved one to enjoy every year! Song will be at least 2 minutes long. Please allow 5 -12 weeks for delivery of your song. You'll also receive every item in #6 above & 4 unreleased Bleu songs. Only 5 Birthday Songs are Available!
Pledge $550 or more
**Special New UK Only Reward** Bleu will cook a bloody delectable meal for you in LONDON! He will cook for you and 3 of your best friends a 3 Course Meal (+ him makes 4 people at dinner), plus you'll receive every item in #6 above & 4 unreleased Bleu songs. Dinner will be scheduled between Oct. 12th - Oct. 24th 2010 and must be in London. Cost includes food & beverages shopped for by...Bleu! Only 1 UK dinner reward available.
Pledge $600 or more
(Reward #15) Have a 1 hour Bleu house concert within 1 hour driving distance from one of these major cities: Boston, NYC, DC, Philly, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Las Vegas. You'll also receive every item in #6 above & 4 unreleased Bleu songs. House concerts on the east coast will be scheduled during my regular east coast touring routes and may have to happen on a week night. You must be able to provide a small PA system. (I usually hang out before and after a house concert eating & drinking anything you might be able to provide...)
Pledge $700 or more
**Special New UK Only Reward** Have a 1 hour Bleu house concert within 3 hours driving distance of LONDON. You'll also receive every item in #6 above & 4 unreleased Bleu songs. UK house concerts will be scheduled between Oct. 12th - Oct. 24th 2010. You must be able to provide a small PA system. (i will dEfiNiteLy hang out before and after eating & drinking anything you might be able to provide...) Only 3 UK house concerts available. (If you live farther than 3 hours from London, email speck606@yahoo.com to see if we can make a special arrangement!)
Pledge $850 or more
(Reward #16) WRITE A SONG with Bleu on Skype or video chat, or even in person if scheduling & city location permits! I will play all the instruments (unless otherwise agreed upon), and deliver you a master quality MP3. You must be able to provide a vocal performance in order to finish the song (or I can sing if you want). You'll also receive every item in #6 above & 4 unreleased Bleu songs. Only 5 writing session are Available!
Pledge $1,000 or more
Create a song title for my next CD! You'll also receive every item in #6 above, 4 unreleased Bleu songs, your name listed in the credits of my next CD, guest list good for 2 people to a future show, *with* a hand drawn, hand crafted Thank You card for your support! Only 1 available! (Song title must be somewhat within reason of…all song titles ever written...)
Pledge $1,200 or more
(Reward #18) Have your very own 1 hour Bleu house concert anywhere in the continental US, + request 4 songs for Bleu to play. This includes the cost of airfare for me to travel to you! You'll also receive every item in #6 above & 4 unreleased Bleu songs. I will work with you on the date of the concert but in general request 4-12 weeks advance scheduling. You must be able to provide a small PA system.
Pledge $1,800 or more
(Reward #19) Whoa! Work with Bleu at Ducky's Boston area studio (where Bleu does most of his recordings) to produce a full studio production of your song! This is a Kickstarter campaign special rate! Includes the full cost of the studio rental & Ducky Carlisle engineer extraordinaire. You'll also receive every item in #6 above & 4 unreleased Bleu songs. Airfare & accomodations not included. Please allow 2-3 months advance notice for scheduling. Each song takes approx 2 days in the studio. Only 4 songs Available!
Pledge $2,500 or more
Choose reward #15, 16, or 18 above plus get my Full CD Catalogue, get your name listed in the credits of my next CD, hand crafted Thank You card, and guest list 4 LIFE at my shows!
Pledge $3,500 or more
Choose #15, 16, 18 or 19 above plus get, an autographed Waterstone guitar!!! You'll also receive my Full CD Catalogue, get your name listed in the credits of my next CD, hand crafted Thank You card, and guest list 4 life at my shows!
Pledge $5,000 or more
Choose #15, 16, 18 or 19 above plus get, an autographed Waterstone guitar AND get to sing on my next CD!!! You'll also receive my Full CD Catalogue, get your name listed in the credits of my next CD, hand crafted Thank You card, and guest list 4 life at my shows! Plus, love and devotion from me for...FOURever...
Project By
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...i am a singer/songwriter/pop musician living in Los Angeles but often travel back to Boston, where i lived for 13 years, graduated from Berklee and started my music career. I also write with & for other artists, as well as produce songs & records.
...have released 8 CDs (you might have heard "Redhead" or "L.E.O." or "A Watched Pot"), and have written and/or produced songs that have been released by: Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, Boys Like Girls, Kate Voegele, Hanson, TV/TV, Brian Culbertson, Jon McLaughlin, Bang Camaro, Evan Taubenfeld, Ace Enders & Puffy AmiYumi. Listen to these tracks & see my songwriter discography here:
http://www.bleutopia.com/bleusongwriterdiscography.html
...here's my website: http://www.bleutopia.com/
