the project

It has been my lifelong dream to record my own album.  I started out as a classical musician, beginning piano at three years old, and following in my mother's footsteps.  It wasn't until I was 12 that I started listening to the radio and discovering "alternative" music.  These 4 minute long songs made me feel like someone else understood me.  Growing up, I was always amazed by the emotional connections I formed with these songs.  This album, Beauty Queens and Broken Dreams, is the culmination of years of heartache, disappointment, rejection, and self-realization.  Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I hope one day someone will listen to my songs and feel that same connection with me.

what your contributions will pay for

• studio time
• musicians
• mixing
• mastering
• cd replication
• shipping fees
• photographic prints

The Kickstarter fundraising goal only covers part of the cost of putting out an album.  All additional donations will go towards the remaining cost of producing this album.

what the album will be like

Beauty Queens and Broken Dreams will be a full-length studio album.  The theme of the album is, essentially, life is tough but you find ways to carry on.  Broken hearts are nothing new, but sometimes there are amazing songs that capture exactly how you feel.  I write about many very personal things - ex-boyfriends, loss, unrequited crushes on public transportation, and wishing you were anywhere other than where you are.

As far as musical style, I would classify these songs as "pop rock".  There is a slight edge, and I don't mince my words, but almost all of these songs can be played on the radio with very minimal editing due to language.  The two songs featured in my video are "I Don't Need You Anymore" and "Carbon Copy", both of which will be on the album with full instrumentation.

an explanation for the random painting and baked good rewards

In addition to music, I love to make other pleasing things like paintings and desserts.  I have been working on an untitled collection of collage paintings for a few years, and while I love them all, I need to make room in my apartment so that I can paint more.  :)  Here are some examples of my work:

And the baking?  Well, I love sweets and have a strange, strong desire to use my standing mixer as much as possible, so I thought I'd make some treats for all of you wonderful people who contribute towards this project!

the album art

I have teamed up with Aaron Andujar to shoot the pictures that will be used for the CD booklet and insert.  Please check out a sampling of his work here:

http://www.aaronandujar.com