About this project

About a year ago, I was having a conversation with my wife about music. I was lamenting the fact that because I am so picky with the music I like ( a fault of mine), that I had a hard time finding music that makes me want to worship God. Her response, like any good woman would say, was "then do something about it!"

I took her words to heart and now, a year later, I am happy to say that I have written and almost fully recorded a 12 song full length album entitled Empty Graves.

WHAT IS Empty Graves?

To put it simply it's an album about triumph. About how God triumphed over death through his son Jesus. One day, death will be a thing of the past. One day,  all the horrors of our mortality will dissolve and we will be free from the shackles of the grave. One day, we won't have to dig anymore. 

Musically it's looser and dirtier than anything I've ever done before. As the album deals a lot more with death, it's a bit darker than anything I've ever done before as well. This is not to say that it will be a depressing record, but it has more of a rawness to it. There are lot's of dirty guitars. Lot's of distortion. Drums are distorted. Vocals distorted. Keyboards distorted. Everything bleeds into everything else. There are moments of Gospel. Moments of Americana and moments of Brit Rock. In no particular order. 

WHERE IS THE ALBUM AT RIGHT NOW?

Currently I have the entire album written and recorded except for vocals. I plan on finishing recording the entire album in the next few weeks. It's a project that has taken me since August, 2011 to finish, since I am doing it all on my own. However, I have had some help from friends. 

My good friend Elliot Richardson (www.elliotrichardson.com) played some guitar and helped me to record drums with Dan Bailey on the kit for 5 songs.

Arie Tildwell came in and played drums on a couple, as well as Cody Nadeau and Aaron Andersen lending their guitar skills to a a few tunes. 

SO HOW CAN YOU HELP?

I need to get this album mixed and mastered once the recording phase is done. However, I can't afford to. Simple as that. So that is where you come in. I'm asking for you to help me raise $5000 by donating any amount so that I can finish my record and put it out into the world. Without your help, all my work will have been in vain. If by the end of 30 days I don't have enough pledges totaling $5000, then my project won't be funded at all.

Also, I need your help spreading the word. You can link this kickstarter page on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and any other site you have by using the tabs, links and embed info under the video.

Email the link to your friends.

WHAT WILL THE $5000 GO TOWARDS?

The money will go towards mixing, mastering, artwork, web promo, web design, and the pressing of cd's. Any money that may come in on top of the $5000 will go towards touring, pressing vinyl, and merchandise. 

WHY SHOULD YOU HELP?

Music has always been an art form that has relied on patrons. The great classical composers all had patrons, supporting and funding them. Kickstarter allows you to take part in shaping the musical landscape. It allows you to get involved with the music you love and share it. Take ownership of it. Think about how awesome it would have felt to say, "I paid for The Beatles to record Abbey Road" or "I funded U2's Joshua Tree"? I'm not trying to compare myself to these artists, but the idea that you can personally take part in developing music is amazing. 

PLUS...

There are incentives. Take a look at the list of things you can receive by donating on the right side of this page. You give to music and music gives back. It has for me, and it will for you.

WHEN WILL THE RECORD BE RELEASED?

I plan on releasing the record in late spring, early summer of 2012. Earlier if all goes well. 

PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES BY CLICKING THE UPDATES TAB ABOVE THE VIDEO. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 

Love,

Topher Daniels