About this project
What's going on?
This next album will be the culmination of four years of writing and touring. I want to make a record that is intimate, reflects how the music sounds lately, and that is great. I have chosen the best people, material and facilities to be able to present it to you, for your enjoyment
How?
Adam Levy is producing, and if you don't already know, he is a
wonderful man, singer-songwriter and guitarist (with Tracy Chapman,
Norah Jones, Amos Lee and many more). Out of a store of more than seventy of my original and unrecorded songs,
Adam and I whittled the list down to eleven for the project. We have worked together in different capacities over the past years, and one of the songs on the album is even one we co-wrote together. We will record at an historic studio called the Magic Shop in New York City, the birthplace of many beloved records such as Arcade Fire's latest "The Suburbs" which won this year's Grammy for Album of the Year, Coldplay's "Viva La Vida", the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack, Natalie Merchant's last "Leave Your Sleep", Norah Jones' "Fall", and lots of other iconic ones. The band will feature some of the greatest New York and touring players, musicians I've had the joy of creating with over the years. We will also mix it up with a string ensemble for some of the songs. Sounds fun, right? To us too!
Where does all the money go?
Not my pockets! Making records is costly, and for the most part always has been. There are the highest caliber studios, engineers and producers. And the musicians. Then the artwork designers and photographers. Then the manufacturers and publicists. All receive payment for their great work. And well worth it! And this is exactly where you can be a modern-day patron of the arts. How will this record be made? Only through the involvement of fans, friends and family. You. And no amount is too small. Every bit helps
So if you've ever wanted to do something direct and personal to support an artist you'd like to see thrive, here's your golden opportunity. You can help me reach my goals. Yes, you.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Ben
FAQ
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on June 12, 2011.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
A digital download of the album, once it's released.
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
A signed pre-release copy of the new CD shipped to your home (anywhere in the world).
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
A signed pre-release copy of the new CD shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), as well as bonus material—demos and unreleased songs.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Hand-written lyrics to certain songs, with accompanying memories of their creation. Plus a signed pre-release copy of the new CD shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), as well as bonus material—demos and unreleased songs.
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
A 1-hour private voice lesson with me, anywhere in the NYC or LA metro area—or worldwide, via video chat. Plus hand-written lyrics to certain songs, with accompanying memories of their creation. And a signed pre-release copy of the new CD shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), as well as bonus material—demos and unreleased songs.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
I will cover any song you request in a video performance and post it on YouTube—personally dedicated to you or to anyone you would like. Plus a signed pre-release copy of the new CD shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), as well as bonus material—demos and unreleased songs.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
I will perform a 75-minute solo concert in your home (anywhere in the continental US). Plus a signed pre-release copy of the new CD shipped to your home (anywhere in the world), as well as bonus material—demos and unreleased songs.
Pledge $2,500 or more Pledge $2,500 or more
You will be credited as Executive Producer on the new album. Dinner with you and a friend in the NYC or LA metro area. Plus any or all of the other prizes you would like are yours.
Pledge $5,000 or more Pledge $5,000 or more
You will be credited as Executive Producer on the new album. I will write a song for and about you (or about anything you would like). Plus any or all of the other prizes you would like are yours.
Project By
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Ben Carroll's soulful, powerful voice lives somewhere at the crossroads of Stevie Wonder and James Taylor--he's captivating, distinctive, mesmerizing. With the help of his accomplished acoustic guitar playing, Carroll moves his audiences with his plaintive songwriting, written from the heart and with a thoughtful, keen eye, while exploring the endless themes of love, of a search for a place and meaning in the world. A soul and folk artist at once, Carroll has steadily toured North America and Europe as a solo act since 2004. He released his debut solo album Lover Undercover in 2005 and his followup Real Thing in 2007 (on UK label Blue Cloud Records), which was #1 for five weeks on AAA FM Radio in Ohio and was played on over fifty radio stations in the US and Europe. His songs have also been featured in television and film, most recently in Pier's End Productions' 2008 release "Wake", which premiered at the Tribeca Cinema in New York City (home of the Tribeca Film Festival). Amore Magazine's reader poll voted Carroll a top solo artist, and his songwriting and performances have been celebrated by the New York Songwriters Circle and BMI New York.
Coming from a musical family as the son of Grammy-winning Starland Vocal Band members ("Afternoon Delight", 1976), Carroll enjoyed a rich musical exposure in his childhood, chiefly in the veins of harmony-laden folk and pop of the 70s, and the R&B/Soul/Roots sounds of the deep south. These influences have been naturally integrated into his music, lustrously evoked by his poetic delivery and his voice of startling honesty and beauty.
Highlights
* Spent several years before 2005 as a member of pop/rock/soul band The Minors, based in New York City, and of world folk band Baraka, out of Philadelphia; these collaborations produced one full-length album and two EPs, while keeping an international touring schedule
* Released second solo studio release "Real Thing" in 2007 on British indie label Blue Cloud Records; went #1 for five weeks on AAA FM Radio in Ohio and was played on over fifty radio stations in the US and Europe
* Released first solo studio release “Lover Undercover” on US indie Luckytone Records in 2005; was described as "bare and revealing...Carroll's lyrics are poetic yet tangible, and his vocals are reminiscent of James Taylor and John Legend."
* Performed live on American FM radio stations WXPN (Philadelphia), WVIA (another NPR station, in Pittston, PA), WRNR (Annapolis/Baltimore) and WAMC (Albany)
* Songs have been used in numerous programs on MTV, Country Music Television and other television programs internationally
* Composed and performed original music for the New York production of "The Good Thief", by Irish playwright Conor McPherson
* Wrote and performed original music for the soundtrack of the short film "Jason's Song", by writer/director Shane Tilston, in which he also appeared on-screen
* Selected artist to participate in the New York Songwriters Circle showcases in 2008, at the Bitter End
* Invited by BMI to participate in their 2007 and 2008 Contemporary Professional/Advanced Songwriting Workshops
* Lyrics to original song "Dola Rosa" were selected for publication in American Songwriter Magazine (Nashville) as part of their August, 2005 edition
* Voted a top male solo artist of 2005 in Amore Magazine's Readers' Poll (Portland, ME)
* Invited to sit as a panel judge for Mountain Stage's NewSong Contest (NE Regional Round), a national singer-songwriter competition of high esteem
