This is it.  'ISH ISH' is going to be released next week, on MARCH 1.  All of the details are in place for some incredible events surrounding the debut of this record and some exciting things are coming together.  Here's a catch-up mathlist : : : 

1 : : : Almost all of the illustrations that will be in the book are now posted on a secret page of my website.  You Kickstarters get an exclusive sneak peek of these.  Enter the password ISHBOOK to access them HERE!  If you are going to receive an illustration with your reward and you see one in particular that you'd like to claim, please let me know before the end of this week.
2 : : : The records are done!
3 : : : The packaging is done!
4  : : : Exclusive Kickstarter posters from Matt Gauck, Kaitlin Murphy and Kate Hanrahan are here!  Each reward on Kickstarter will come with one of these limited edition screen prints!
5 : : : Even though it felt like rocket science to get it integrated into the site in the way I wanted, I'm really proud to announce that I launched a store on my website!  Tell anyone who's interested in getting merch from me.  
6 : : : All records and posters will be available for will call pick up at the following shows.  Other merch will be on the table and I'll be accepting credit cards (fancy!).

: : : MARK YOUR CALENDARS : : : 

WED - FEB 29 : LEAP Sessions @ The Dunes [D.C.] 
Benefit concert in support of Marble Road, a foundation that helps facilitate resources for families struggling with rare disease.  This show will feature a wide variety of artists aside from myself including: SoftSpot, Caged Animals, Lindsey Deming, Benny, Jonny Grave & the Tombstones.  You can purchase tickets HERE ($15 ADV / $20 DOORS)

WRIR 97.3 or ONLINE : A special performance will air at 7P on Activate, for everyone who can't make it out to the show in D.C.

THU - MAR 1 : LP Release @ Strange Matter [Richmond, VA]
The official release date of ISH ISH, this will be an incredible night of performances from myself as well as The Pharmacy (Seattle, WA), SoftSpot (NYC), and the Richmond favorite, Diamond Center. Come early + bring your friends; the first 50 people through the door get a digital download of the record!  ($7)

FRI - MAR 2 : Illustration Exhibit @ Gallery 5 & Turnstyle [Richmond, VA]
This will be a magical night where I will be showing all of the illustrations from the book and then some!  It's First Friday and that means that all of the local galleries open their doors and share their new collections.  I'll be showing small pieces at Turnstyle and large works at Gallery 5.  The latter of the two will feature an unforgettable lineup of Boas (RVA), SoftSpot (NYC) and Caged Animals (NYC).  This show is essentially free but come prepared to support these musicians (PAY WHAT YOU WILL).

SAT - MAR 3 : LP Release @ Baja Bean [Staunton, VA]
Another solid lineup with Lola Mullen and White Laces, right in the town that helped me to really start and grow my music career.  $5

SUN - MAR 4 : Listening Party @ Steady Sounds [Richmond, VA]
As the dust settles, let's get together at noon to share mimosas and light snacks while we take in the new album along with the latest releases from White Laces. FREE!

FRI - MAR 9 : Release Show @ My Mansion (House Show) [Harrisonburg, VA]
With Adam and the Amethysts, White Laces, and Matt Northrup.

SAT - MAR 10 : Release Show @ Winchester Book Gallery [Winchester, VA]
With Wes Swing and Swear & Shake.

POSTER DESIGN by Michelle Grant

March is creeping up FAST and I'm eager to get things in the mail and into your hands!

The record sleeves will be finished sometime during the coming week, thanks to A Mystery In Common.  After a lot of consideration and a technical necessity, I decided to forgo having any of the type printed on a letter press and instead to have both sides of the cover screen printed.  I'd like to think you'll thank me later.  The first run of ink was finished on Friday night!

I received some sour news from the record press this morning.  Apparently, the lacquers they had made for my album broke which means new ones have to be made.  This pushes this project back by another [unwelcome] week.  Come hell or high water, I'm doing everything in my power to have them by the first of March but the odds are stacking against me.

One new show has been added to the queue, see if it's close to you : : : 

FEB 29 : MARBLE ROAD FUNDRAISER
The Dunes (D.C.) w/ Caged Animals + a slew of other musicians TBA

Below : : : ISH ISH sleeves drying at A Mystery In Common +++ a close up from one of the illustrations from the book.

Firstly, thank you to everyone who supported this endeavor.  We exceeded the goal by a little over $1,000!  The good news only starts there.  I wanted to wait to send out this update once I had confirmed details about the production and release of the records, books, etc.

MARCH 1 is the official release date of 'ISH ISH.'  Should things arrive much sooner in February than I expect, everyone who has been a part of this Kickstarter will receive their rewards before this date.  The following are the details of confirmed release events:

JAN 22 : RADIO INTERVIEW
WXJM 88.7 (Harrisonburg, VA)
MAR 1 : RELEASE SHOW
Strange Matter (RVA) w/ The Pharmacy + SoftSpot + The Diamond Center
MAR 2 : ILLUSTRATION EXHIBIT
304 E. Grace St. (RVA) feat. Boas + Caged Animals* [RSVP EXCLUSIVE for entry for you + your guests]
MAR 3 : RELEASE SHOW
Baja Bean (Staunton, VA) w/ Lola Mullen and White Laces
MAR 4 : LISTENING PARTY
Steady Sounds (RVA) w/ White Laces
MAR 9 : RELEASE SHOW
Winchester Book Gallery (Winchester, VA) w/ Wes Swing

Also, I am proud to announce that the record label, Obsolete Media Objects has offered to press 'ISH ISH' on tapes!  I wrote a full post about this on my website, HERE.

More details and events will be updated weekly from now on!
Thank you again for your continued support!

*Yet to confirm as of 1.20.12

Illustrations for the books are in the works.
Layouts for pages are being finalized.
The album covers are on order.
+ + + + + A N D + + + + +
A $1 up tier has been added!

There are 7 days left before the Kickstarter ends and even though it has met its goal, the breakdown plays out as follows:

300 x 180 gram 12" vinyl records : $1080
300 x recycled chipboard covers : $490
Screen printing + letter pressing : $575
Engineering + production work : $1500
Book setup + printing + binding : $646
Kickstarter + Amazon fees : ~$530 (appx. 10% of final pledged amount)
TOTAL [CURRENT] COST : $4,821

Additional monies will go toward the following:

1) Manufacturing of CDs which is an additional $490.
2) Paying musician friends
3) Quality bonus add-ons to your order (like plastic covers for your records)
4) A modest 'ISH ISH' promotional tour.

And, as a surprise, some generous support of time and creativity has washed over this project from my artist friends: Matt Gauck, Kate Hanrahan, and Kaitlin Murphy.  EVERYONE who has backed this project will receive a limited edition print made by one of them OR myself which goes to show that support comes in many different shapes and sizes.

It has been a real blessing to me to see the funding for this project coming together and I can't thank you all enough for supporting my work in this endeavor.  In this last week, please help to spread the word with everyone who might be interested.