About this project
“That was great, Stan. Really something.”
“Yes, well, thank you.” He shifted on the couch and raised a lazy paw to his ear. “I feared I’d grown a bit rusty since my days at the BBC, but it’s nice to see that I’ve still ‘got it,’ as you Yanks like to say.”
“Absolutely. And your singing voice has never sounded better.”
“Cheers.” He rolled over onto his back. “So tell me,” he said, “What’s all this business about raising cash, anyway?”
“Well, we’ve got to get to New York in January to do this album. It’s not free, you know.”
“Yes, but… twenty grand? My lady friend Pasha makes music in her parlor with a computer and a keyboard. I’ve heard it. Takes me straight back to my days at the Berlin Correspondent’s Club. Lovely stuff.”
“I’m sure it’s great. But I have to make music with other people. It’s all about interaction for me. I need a studio, an engineer and excellent musicians..."
"Like this Eubanks fellow," he asserted. "I'm told he plays a drum kit of fine pewter. And Monsieur Schlesinger... those Grammy winners don't just materialize from the ether, do they?"
"No. Plus, we’ll have to get discs manufactured, pay for some promotion, et cetera. When you start adding it up, twenty large isn’t so much money. Not to mention your travel expenses to New York.”
“Which shall be extravagant.”
“No doubt.”
“What’s this one going to be about then?”
“Well, it’s going to be called ‘Dudes.’ Most of the songs are stories about different guys and their interactions with the world.”
“Bit sexist, isn’t it?” He rolled over and fixed me with an unwavering stare. “The 80’s are over, my boy.”
“Don’t worry, there’s plenty of stuff for the ladies, too.”
“Yes, I suppose there will be a generous measure of that embarrassingly high, feminine singing you do.”
“Well… not just that, but there are plenty of women in the stories, you know.”
“Fine then. Just as long as you’ve not forgotten about your base. Ol’ Stanley does like his kibbles and bits… and drinks, you know.” He grinned mischievously. “Speaking of… would you mind?”
I walked to the liquor cabinet and poured him a shot of E&J.
“Fantastic,” he exclaimed, extracting his tongue from the bottom of the shot glass. “So what happens if you don’t raise the money?”
I had considered this possibility. “I’m not sure. It's an all-or-nothing proposition. If we don't raise the twenty K, we don't get anything. ”
Stan stared out the window toward the tree line. “Our forces may be small, but they are powerful. Never underestimate the power of pride and determination, my boy. That’s the old Dunkirk Spirit.”
“The what?”
“Nevermind.” He hopped off the couch. “Fire up the leash and take us for a walk, will you? All of this chatter’s put me in a right mood for a stroll.”
“OK,” I said, following him towards the door. “So, you think we can do this?” I fastened the leash to his collar.
“Not a doubt in my mind, old boy,” he said, wagging his tail vigorously as he yanked me out onto the sidewalk. “Not a doubt in my mind!”
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on January 18, 2011.
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1. THE ALBUM- One physical copy of "Dudes" delivered to your door, at least two weeks before release date, plain and simple.
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2. THE AUTOGRAPH- One physical copy of "Dudes," autographed by David, Adam, Ethan, Andrew and Stan, delivered to your door at least two weeks before the release date.
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THE VOYEUR- One autographed copy of "Dudes" and special access to a daily video of the making of the album. Video will be posted daily to a password-encrypted page on Vimeo.
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4. THE CONNOISSEUR (Includes options 2 and 3)- Wondering what David has been up to for the past two years? The Connoisseur gets you the full story. Includes one copy each of David’s new children’s album, "The Adventures of Davey Ukulele and the Gag Time Gang," Elle Macho’s (rock band with Butterfly Boucher and Lindsay Jamieson) debut EP, "¡Es Potencial!" and David’s 2009 solo effort, "Almost and Always." Great for holiday presents!
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5. THE PRODUCER (Includes options 2 and 3)- Want to help pick the songs that go on Dudes? This option gets you special access to the 15 demos up for consideration to be made into master recordings for the album. After spending some serious ear time with the demos, you can tell David and the boys which 12 songs you think should be on the album as well as share comments about the music with your fellow Producers. Your opinion will be heard and followed. In addition, your name will be listed in the album liner notes as an executive producer.
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THE VISITOR (Includes options 2,3 and 5)- Want to sit in on the making of Dudes? This option buys you the chance to spend some time with David and the boys at the studio in New York City to see how things are coming along. You are welcome to join them for lunch afterward. (Travel expenses not included.)
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7. THE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITIQUE- Want to bounce some ideas off of David and Grammy-winning producer Adam Schlesinger? Here’s your chance. Adam and David will sit down with you in person or via Skype for an in-depth discussion (45 min) about your latest musical projects and whatever else interests you.
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8. THE CYRANO- Ever wanted to say something special to that special someone and wished that you could say with a David Mead song? Here is your chance: David will write and make a professional recording of a custom song written about anyone or anything you desire. You and David will collaborate on your subject matter and David will produce a very personal piece for you. The ultimate Christmas gift! Great for marriage proposals, as well- Valentine's Day is right around the corner!
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THE NASHVILLIAN (Includes options 2, 3,4 and 5) Come to Music City and spend a day with David (and Stan). Go for a hike, eat a mighty homemade breakfast, write a song together, see some sights, tour some of the studios where David’s albums have been recorded, do some yoga, hang out at an Elle Macho rehearsal, eat a great meal at the restaurant of your choice and hit the town with David and friends. Or whatever you feel like doing! It’s your day. (Travel expenses not included.)
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THE INTIMATE EXPERIENCE (Includes options 2, 3, 4 and 5) David will come to your home or favorite spot and perform for you and your closest friends from a set list created by YOU. (Additional travel funding will be required for performances outside the continental U.S.)
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David Mead makes classic pop music. He debuted in 1999 with the well-received "The Luxury of Time" on RCA, followed by 2001's "Mine and Yours." After critical acclaim did not lead to massive sales, Mead was released from RCA soon after completing a third album in 2002, "Wherever You Are." He quickly set about recording and releasing the more acoustic "Indiana," his most highly-regarded set to date, on Nettwerk Records in 2004. The following year, Yep Roc Recordings released an EP version of the "Wherever You Are" collection, and Mead went back into the studio to record "Tangerine," his most expansive body of work. In 2008 he recorded and released the exceptionally intimate "Almost and Always" through Boundee in Japan and Cheap Lullaby in the United States. Mead will return to the studio with Grammy Award-winning producer Adam Schlesinger in 2011 to record his seventh studio album, "Dudes."
David Mead has toured extensively throughout four continents. He has had multiple songs licensed for films and television programs, as well as 82 pieces of music criticism published in Paste and American Songwriter magazines. He enjoys carpentry and hiking in his free time. He currently resides in Nashville, TN.
