Kickstarter

After over 6 years writing songs and 4 years on the road with my full band NIAYH (Now Is All You Have), it's high time that I make my debut solo record!  In total I've got about 60+ pieces completed and I want to put the best of these together into one album.  These represent the most meaningful and powerful songs I've written so far, and they are all very dear to my heart (it will be hard to cut some out actually).  Although you may have heard some of them live at this point, I can't wait to explore how they will come across in the studio setting and share the results with you :)  

I've been toying with the title of "Six Foot Soul" for a concept record centered on my experiences as a street musician.  Many of the songs came from these experiences and fit into a story line surrounding my journeys while busking.  In total the album will include about 17 tracks (almost a double album really) and will feature a variety of musicians from the pacific NW and California.  Instrumentation will vary from solo acoustic to full band with keyboards, strings and horns.  This is going to take a lot of work and love!

WHY WORTH?

I come from a long line of Christopher Worth's, many of whom ended up going by the name "Worth" for one reason or another.  When I started writing songs some of my biggest influences were single name artists like Feist, D'Angelo, and Sting - to me their pen names placed them outside of the singer/songwriter box and into a more creative space.  

The day I decided once and for all to pursue music as my path I skipped work and took a trip to the beach.  As I stepped out of my car, I felt drawn to walk far out onto a rocky point: some untold answer to my spiritual dilemma felt hidden there.  As I arrived I stopped and looked down to see a rock directly in front of me.  It fit perfectly in my hand and had the letter "W" worn in from years on the beach.  This sign was enough for me - I quit my job, started playing on the street and from that day forward played under the name "Worth" alone.  

On another level, I want my music to be about giving back value to the world.  The name "Worth" anchors my art to this purpose.  

WHY SO MUCH MONEY?

Although I want to do this for as little money possible, I also want it to sound as good as other stuff out there on film/tv/radio.  The typical record label budget for an album these days can easily cost $100k and often goes above even $200k!  This sounds crazy, but the $$ can be heard in the end result - they buy the gear and, more essentially, the time one needs to really lay down the best performance.  

As an independent artist we have to find ways to make smaller budgets go that extra mile and sound as good.  I'm offsetting most of the costs of the record by trading people my services as a musician in return for theirs, getting discounts based on past work/trades or package deals, and/or recording what I can at home.  However, there is a bottom line for what it will take to make this sound as good as the songs deserve.  Below is my very conservative estimate of what it will take to make "Six Foot Soul" live up to it's name:

:: BARE-BONES RECORDING BUDGET ::

$1,500 :: rent out big studio for 4 days to track drums/bass live

$4,000 :: 3 weeks for recording all other instruments

$4,000 :: 2 weeks mixing/mastering

$2,000 :: printing 1,000 cds and 100 limited edition LPs

$1,000 :: promotion online and to radio

$1,000 :: 1 music video like this one:

= $13,500 (which is what I would end up getting from $15,000 raised after Amazon/Kickstarter cuts/fees are deducted)

As I said, this is my estimate for the minimum it will take to do this the right way.  If I can raise more (thanks to you) then I will have even more tools to take this to the next level :)

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Each and every dollar pledged will go toward making this project a reality!

For starters, PREORDER THE RECORD by donating in a $15-$100 tier - depending on what you give you'll get a CD, LP or signed copy.  

For those of you who really love me or have a bit more to give, check out the variety of EXCLUSIVE at higher price ranges.  In particular, the Gibson guitar and custom song offers may tickle your fancy :)  

Whether you can donate or not, send this on to friends in case they can help!

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch the video and read about my project!  I am honored by your attention and hope we can work together to make this album a reality.  I'll owe you one ... or two, or three, or twenty depending on how much you give :)

much love

Christopher Worth