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About this project

***updated July 23***

THE HOME STRETCH

The support you've shown me is amazing!  We met the $8K goal, so all backers will get a thank-you on my website, and access to the interactive web concert.  All current and new backers of $25-and-up will receive a bonus download album of cover songs, and all $150-and-up backers will receive downloads of ALL of the cover songs I'm recording for this project (that's 28 songs as of this writing)!

We're now in the final house of the campaign, and there's still time to be a part of my album.   I'm very grateful for your pledge, and I'm happy you'll be joining me on this experience.  You can still make a new pledge (or add to a current one) until Monday, July 25, at 1:54 PM Eastern Time.

***updated July 16***

THE $8,000 GOAL

Yes!  Thanks to you, my project has met its minimum $6,000 goal and my album will be funded.  I'm truly grateful and energized to get to work on this album.

There's still time to become a backer, so let's keep the momentum going!  Presenting… the $8K goal!

If we reach $8,000 I'll be able to put some funds towards the marketing and promotion of the album.  For reaching that goal, here's what you'll get:

  • Every backer (current and new pledges) will get a thank-you on my website (if you like), and access to the exclusive interactive web concert,
  • All current and new backers of $25-and-up will receive a bonus download album of cover songs, which I'll pick from the selections I'll be recording for the $150-and-up pledges,
  • All current and new backers of $150-and-up will receive downloads of ALL the cover songs I'll be recording for this project.  The response to this reward has been tremendous; at the time of this writing, I'll be recording 21 songs of your choosing, and we're not stopping there!  So, if you're a backer who gets to choose a song for me to record, you'll also get a copy of what your fellow backers chose.  

These new rewards are in addition to the rewards packages you pledge for. If you're a current backer, you don't need to do anything to get the new rewards offered at your pledge level.  You can add to your pledge if you want to take advantage ofthese new offerings, up until the campaign closes on July 25.

ORIGINAL KICKSTARTER MESSAGE:

Thank you for visiting my Kickstarter page. After many years of touring and recording with different artists, I've been writing and recording my very first solo album. I'm excited to dig deep, giving you my very best to create an album that comes from the heart. The album, due to be released in Fall 2011, is called Hurry Up and Smell The Roses and will feature 11 original tracks.

My aim is to create the best work I can make, and I'm doing so without a record label. I've partnered with Kickstarter to raise the funds necessary to do it properly. Your pledge dollars go directly to the creation, manufacturing, and release of this album.  

This is an "All or Nothing" funding site, which means that I must reach my target goal, or all pledges are cancelled and this project will not be funded at all. So, I've created lots of rewards that allow you to get the music first, plus unique experiences and exclusives for backers only. Plus, every pledge gives you access to project updates so you can join me on this adventure. 

I can't express enough gratitude for all the support you've given me over the years. You've made it possible for me pursue my life-long dream, and it means the world to me.  

Thank you.

FAQ

  • The bonus digital album for pledges $50 and up is made up of original instrumental piano music. It will include all new, never before released performances. A lot of the pieces stem from improvisations, new compositions, and there will be some nods to pieces I've previously written as well.

    Last updated: Friday Jul 15, 10:36am EDT
  • That's right. For pledges of $150 or more, I will record my own version of any song ever written by anyone in the universe, provided I can obtain the source material. This includes songs that I myself have written, a song you've written, TV/movie themes, etc. Note that when I say "my own version" of the song, I mean that I will be making my own arrangement of the piece. In other words, if you want me to record Rachmaninoff's Third Concerto, don't expect a note-for-note rendition, but rather, my own take on the themes.

    Last updated: Thursday Jul 14, 6:51pm EDT
  • As part of the "Super Backer Pack" ($200 or more), I'm offering a lesson via Skype, Facetime, iChat, or whatever online video chat service we both can get running. Alternatively, if I'm going to be in your neighborhood, I can make a house call (I can't guarantee that but I will certainly try). You can choose the type of lesson you want: basic piano/keyboard, improvisation, composition/songwriting, synthesizer programming, music software basics, or anything else that I could possibly shed some light on. You could also interview me about my experiences on tour and in the studio with the various artists I've performed with, etc.

    Last updated: Thursday Jul 14, 7:00pm EDT
  • For pledges of $100 or more, you will get 2 guest list tickets to one of my concerts. You can choose the concert; it can be my own show, or any concert I'm performing in. There are a couple of exceptions: (1)some shows/venues have age restrictions, so if you are under the age required by the venue, I will not have the power to get you in to see the show. (2)There are rare occasions where I may be performing a private event where I'm not permitted to have guests. This hardly happens, but please know that it is possible. These same conditions apply for the "tickets for a year" ($2000 and $2100 packages), and the "tickets for life" included in the "Executive Producer" ($5000) package.

    Last updated: Thursday Jul 14, 7:57pm EDT
  • More and more artists are performing in people's homes, and it's a beautiful thing. I will come to your residence and perform a 1+ hour concert for you and your friends/family. I've played for audiences of 10-50, in living rooms of houses and even apartments. Some hosts are musicians themselves, and often also perform if they want to. I bring my keyboard or play your piano, if you have one. All I need is a friendly environment, a meal, and a place to stay for the night (if I'm out of town), and we'll have fun. Testimonials from past house concert hosts available upon request.

    Last updated: Thursday Jul 14, 7:42pm EDT
  • The "Fellow recording artists" package includes my keyboard recording session services for one song. If you're in the Nashville area (or NYC/NJ area, or near a city I'm touring in and my schedule permits), I can come to the studio and record the tracks in person. Otherwise, I can record my parts in my own studio and send you the digital audio files. We can collaborate using Skype, chat, or phone, to make sure you're getting what you want. I've worked in this format with several artists and have testimonials upon request.

    Last updated: Thursday Jul 14, 7:54pm EDT
Ask a question

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171
Backers
$11,804
pledged of $6,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding Successful

This project successfully raised its funding goal on July 25, 2011.

Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more

5 Backers

You'll get a high-quality MP3 and video of my single "Steppin' Out" (my version of the Joe Jackson classic), and access to exclusive project updates.

Pledge $15 or more Pledge $15 or more

19 Backers

You'll get a digital download of the album in your choice of formats (small or large MP3, Apple Lossless, or FLAC), with a complete digital booklet of art and liner notes, prior to release date, with my thanks and gratitude. Plus the MP3 and video of "Steppin' Out", and project updates.

Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more

62 Backers

Receive an autographed copy of the album on CD (in nice eco-friendly packaging) prior to release date, shipped anywhere in the world (includes shipping and handling) and a thank-you on my website (if you like). You'll also get access to an exclusive live interactive web concert. Plus everything above.

Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more

28 Backers

Every item above plus a BONUS DIGITAL ALBUM of original piano instrumentals and a limited-edition T-shirt, both available exclusively to Kickstarter backers!

Pledge $80 or more Pledge $80 or more

1 Backer

Every item above plus you'll receive the entire CD catalog from my band Spiraling (4 CDs), autographed and shipped anywhere in the world!

Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more

15 Backers

Everything above plus 2 guest list tickets to my concert of your choice, plus your name will be listed in the liner notes of the album! You'll also get a signed, limited edition poster.

Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more

27 Backers

You'll get everything above, plus I'll record my own version of ANY song of your choice, dedicate it to you, and send you the MP3 and video.

Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more

5 Backers

The "Super Backer Pack": Every item above plus a 1-hour lesson/interview/chat over Skype or iChat. We can talk piano, synth, songwriting, tour stories, or anything you like!

Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more

3 Backers • Limited Reward (2 of 5 remaining)

I'll write a song for you! Just tell me what you'd like it to be about, and I'll record an original piece of music dedicated to and named after you. You'll receive a high-quality download of the song, plus every item in the Super Backer Pack!

Pledge $600 or more Pledge $600 or more

0 Backers

Have a Tom Brislin concert in your home! (Available only in NJ, NY, CT, PA, DC, VA, MD, TN). Plus every item in the Super Backer Pack!

Pledge $650 or more Pledge $650 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (5 of 5 remaining)

Fellow recording artists! I will record keyboard tracks for your song at my home studio (or in person if location permits), plus receive every item in the Super Backer Pack!

Pledge $750 or more Pledge $750 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (5 of 5 remaining)

Fellow songwriters! I'll co-write a song with you via video chat (or in person if location permits), and I will produce and send you a recording of our song. Plus receive every item in the Super Backer Pack!

Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more

0 Backers

Have a Tom Brislin concert in your home, anywhere in the continental US! You'll also get every item in the Super Backer Pack!

Pledge $2,000 or more Pledge $2,000 or more

0 Backers

The Fancy Deluxe: Receive a house concert anywhere in the continental US, 2 guest list tickets for any concert I play for a year, plus your choice of: 1)I will record keyboard tracks for your song, 2)I'll co-write a song with you and produce the recording, or 3)I will produce a master-quality recording of your song! Plus every item in the Super Backer Pack!

Pledge $2,100 or more Pledge $2,100 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

The Keyboard Fan: You'll get the Korg R3 keyboard that I used on the album (and also on tours with Renaissance and The Syn), autographed, plus 1 house concert anywhere in the continental US, 2 guest list tickets to any concert I play for a year, and every item in the Super Backer Pack!

Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more

0 Backers

The Executive Producer: You'll get 2 guest list tickets to my concerts for life, plus any and every item listed above (except for the Korg Keyboard), plus get executive producer credit, you can sing or play on the album, get signed hand-written sheet music of a song from the album, and my eternal gratitude!

Project By

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Connected as Tom Brislin (2941 friends)

Tom Brislin is a musician, songwriter, and producer. Formerly of the indie-rock band Spiraling, he has played keyboards with notable groups like Yes, Debbie Harry, Meat Loaf, OK Go, Josh Kelley, Renaissance, Glen Burtnik, and many others. He is a native of New Jersey, currently living in Nashville.

  1. tombrislin.com
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