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Update #10: Your name on the website!
For backers only,
Posted on May 19
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Update #9: Your info?
Hi everyone who backed this project!
Just a quick update: I am about to turn in the final draft of the Unusual Creatures book to Chronicle Publishing. It is currently scheduled to be released next fall. Yes, sounds far away, but believe me, this is fairly speedy for the book world! As soon as the files are delivered, Elasticbrand (the designers) and I will begin working on the CD packaging and website, which will be released next spring by Urban Geek Records (me). It's all moving forward, I promise. None of you have been forgotten. Thanks so much for your patience and ongoing support.
One important thing, if you haven't already responded, please email me your name (as you would like to see it in print, for "thank you" purposes). Also, you may as well provide me with your current address so that I can send you goodies as they become available. If you wish to email me directly, you can reach me at info@michaelhearst.com
While your at it, check out the temporary page for Unusual Creatures: www.unusualcreatures.com
Thanks a million!
Michael
Update #8: Your info?
For backers only,
Posted on November 5, 2011
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Update #7: The album, a book, a video, and a show!
Dearest supporters of the Unusual Creatures project,
To keep you in the loopdeloop...
The Songs For Unusual Creatures album is nearing completing. In fact, I’m working on the intro track today, "March Of The Unusual Creatures," which, as the title suggests, depicts a loony street parade full of Dugongs, Aye Ayes, Puffins, Giant Salamanders, Bilbys, and Blob fish. At this point, my goal is to have the album released this fall. I’m still not totally sure who will release it. It's a fickle industry that has become more fickle than ever, but one way or another it WILL happen. I sincerely thank you ALL for your generous contributions, which helped cover production costs. (The guest musicians also thank you.) I’m super thrilled with the results, and hope you will be, too. You can hear several sample tracks at www.songsforunusualcreatures.com
In addition, I’m very excited to announce that there will be a book. A real book! Not just part of the CD package, but a fancy-schmancy hardcover book published by the great Chronicle Books. www.chroniclebooks.com Most likely they will release it in 2012. Not totally sure what it will be called, but probably something along the lines of Michael Hearst’s Big Book Of Unusual Creatures!? It will feature even more animals, maps, and factoids, all cleverly illustrated and designed by my amazing collaborators, Elasticbrand, who are also doing the CD and website.
This somewhat unexpected expansion of the Unusual Creatures project has led me (and some talented friends) to think even bigger. We've since organized a production team with the intent of making a few Unusual Creatures educational videos. Inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s Young People's Concerts, and perhaps a bit of Pee-wee’s Playhouse, the first segment will be about the Aye-Aye. The episode will be hosted by myself, and feature both the Kronos Quartet, and several actual living Aye-aye (courtesy of the Duke Lemur Center).
Who knows, there may even be some Unusual Creature stuffed animals in the future.
All in all, it’s going to be a busy, but super fun year!
Yours truly,
Michael Hearst www.michaelhearst.com
ps. for those who live in the NYC area, the Songs For Unusual Creatures band will perform this Friday. There will be projections of animals, costumes, and, of course many of the songs from the forthcoming album. All ages are welcome.
Friday, February 25th (8pm)
Michael Hearst - Songs For Unusual Creatures
at Barbes - 376 9th Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn
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arklady on February 20, 2011
Great news, I am so looking forward to seeing how this does. Please make an announcement on my Facebook page as you get closer. http://facebook.com/AnimalExpert
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Scott Thomas on February 20, 2011
It's coming together nicely. I love the Aye-Aye and Honey Badger track. I would love to see your work as the score to something similar to BBC Planet Earth. Really captures the unusual creatures personas. Can't wait to see it completed.
Thanks for sharing Michael.
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Michael Hearst on February 21, 2011
Thanks, y'all, for all the kind words and encouragement! -Michael
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Update #6: Update #6, just for you!
For backers only,
Posted on September 28, 2010
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163
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$6,053
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0
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on September 25, 2009.
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Your name/link on the Thanks page of the project website.
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Michael will send you a personal thank you postcard for helping bring this project to life!
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Early-bird mp3s! Micheal will send you an advance copy of the album as mp3s. Sing along with twelve songs of the exotic and esoteric creatures roaming our wondrous planet!
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A signed copy of Songs For Unusual Creatures and a very special thank you in the book!
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Sheet music! Play along with Michael and study up on his arrangements when you receive the printed scores, along with a copy of Songs For Unusual Creatures hot off the press!
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Michael will draw your pet in his signature style. Great for gifting!
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You'll get the website thank you, the post card thank you, the early-bird mp3, the signed copy of Songs For Unusual Creatures (with a "thank you" in the book) ... PLUS a special bonus package of Sea Monkeys delivered right to your door!
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Theremin Lesson! Michael will share the secrets of the thermin with you, whether you're a first-timer or an old-hand!
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You get nothing!
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A "guided tour" of the Brooklyn Zoo with Michael Hearst. You and three of your friends will join Michael in a fun-filled- and information packed- walk through the Brooklyn Zoo!
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BRAND NEW SPECIAL OFFER!! Your very own pet song! Michael will write and record a 30 second jingle for your pet, or your friend's favorite furry friend. Perfect for gifts! (Of course, you'll also get the website thank you, the post card thank you, the early-bird mp3, and the signed copy of Songs For Unusual Creatures with a "thank you" in the book.)
Project By
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Michael Hearst is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, writer, and producer. He is a founding member of the band One Ring Zero, which has released seven albums, including the literary collaboration As Smart As We Are, featuring lyrics by Paul Auster, Margaret Atwood, Dave Eggers, and Neil Gaiman, among others. His most recent works include the solo albums Songs For Ice Cream Trucks and the website Songs For Newsworthy News, and the soundtrack for the movie The Good Mother. He hosts a podcast series with Rick Moody called 18:59 and is a producer for the website Cassette From My Ex. He has toured with The Magnetic Fields, and performed with The Kronos Quartet at Carnegie Hall. Hearst has appeared on such shows as NPR's Fresh Air, A+E's Breakfast With The Arts, and NBC's The Today Show.
