Where do I start?

It has been a crazy couple of months since we met our goal and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to draft a communal thank you note from me to you. I mean, it’s a new year, for Pete’s sake. I am truly sorry for the wait. I’m sure all of you checked the Kickstarter daily, searching for any signs that your generous contributions were being put to good use.

Well, I am happy to tell you that we are hard at work and increasingly aware that we would still be stuck in a moldy basement if it weren’t for your support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I promise to say thank you again and again and I can’t wait to tell you in person at a show or when I bring roses to your house (Disclaimer: I can’t afford to bring roses to 74 houses. That is merely a figure of speech that I just made up. It means that I’ll give you a hug when I see you).

What else should I tell you?

Here are some other things you should know.

1)      I will be contacting you all individually in the near future to thank you personally and to work out the delivery of your sponsorship package. It’s going to be great.

2)      We have our main studio time booked for February 10-12 at 16 Ton Studios on Music Row. It is going to be unbelievable. Austin and I toured studios in the fall and this one was my favorite by far. It has an incredible console and some great gear, but I’m most excited about the 1881 Steinway grand piano that will be at the heart of the album. I can’t wait for you to hear it.

You can check out 16 Ton here.

I have a lot more to tell you all about, but my Greek homework beckons. Check back here or on my website for studio updates, videos, and what not.

The next couple of months are going to fly by and I can’t believe that we’ll all have a record to listen to at the end of it, but we will. And none of it would be possible without all of your support. It might be cool, I’m not entirely sure, to say that I am making this record for myself as a deeply-personal, artistic expression, born out of intense, contemplative and spiritual moments. And I suppose that might even be true on occasion. But that is not why I am making an album. I’m making a record because even when I’m alone with my piano, I can’t seem to get away from all of you. I am making a record because you have filled my life with so many moments worth singing about. And I want to give you something that says thank you for the long walks and road trips and cups of coffee that I’ve shared with so many of you. This record is for you so that you can remember how much you mean to me on long drives home.

That’s about it. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I still have a lot to figure out, but I couldn’t ask for better company along the way.

Matt

We are ridiculously close to our goal. 

I am incredulous.

Simply put, you are the best. I am unbelievably excited to get into the studio and make some beautiful music for all of you. Those of us in Nashville are preparing. This past week I recorded work tapes for all of the possible songs. You'll get to hear some of these on the record, and others might take another form. Regardless, I am excited. I can't wait for you to hear what has been going on.

Here is a quick video with a little negative reinforcement for our goal, not that you need any. I just hope it makes you laugh. That is my intent. Keep spreading the word and I'll keep you posted about what is going on here in Nashville. Let's blow this Kickstarter out of the water. The more we raise, the more dream we make possible. Ha. On to the video. 

Video shot by my good friend, Matt Baxter. You should check him out. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You all truly blow me away. We will talk again soon.

Love, 

Matt

So, we crossed the halfway mark a couple of days ago and I'm incredibly thankful. I can't tell you how humbling it is to receive daily emails filled with support from all of you. In recognition of this, I recorded a little cover song that I hope you'll enjoy. Just a token of my appreciation.

(enter the text box of sarcasm)

It's not a very well-known song, a deep cut, if you will. A few of you may have heard it on your local independent radio station, but I really doubt it. 

(exit box)

I really cannot thank you enough. There will be more updates like this in the future to mark milestones and celebrate what we've accomplished. If you have any suggestions for future cover songs, feel free to send me a message via the "ask a question" button on the Kickstarter page.

Many thanks to my friend Austin Atwood for his avant-garde camera work. 

Hello Internet Family,

We have reached the halfway mark. I don't even know what to say. You are the best. Simple as that. I'm getting a lot of cool stuff ready for all of you. I spent some time in the studio this weekend with one of my best buds, playing through songs and getting pre-production done so we can hit the ground running with this record at the end of the Kickstarter campaign. Keep spreading the word. We can reach the finish line together.

Here is a quick video detailing some of the benefits of thinking big. Why not pool your funds for an awesome pancake-dinner-concert?

Also, there may or may not (there is) be a surprisingly enjoyable cover song coming your way. Just my way of saying thanks.

Love,

Matt