- (AUDIO: "Run" track 3 from the upcoming record - click the dots for a free download) Also listen/download from soundcloud
I found that video to be very healing. I've never released anything where you can hear my stutter. Being vulnerable is difficult, but it's something I'm trying to invite more and more in my life. I feel closer to people when I'm honest and open, so I wanted to convey a bit of my journey with stuttering, music, and my daughter because they are essentially the turning points that have made me who I am. I'm a real person just hoping to continue creating and performing music. It all starts with this new band and with this first record.
The record is done, so I'm able to include it in a lot of the rewards and get it to you quickly. Pledgers also attending the release in Denver at Lost Lake (Sept 8th) can immediately get their rewards that night. It is a full length record, 10 songs recorded in Denver, CO.
Let's talk money. This is about donations so I'm going to be very transparent. Here are exact costs to date:
- 6 total days of studio time = 2,400
- Mixing and Mastering = 2,600
- 250 Vinyl Records = 1,803
- 500 CD = 650
- 100 T-shirts = $899
- 250 Stickers = $150
- Branding/photographs/general art design = $3,626
So, the creation of the record, branding, and merch is a total of $12,128
After the record is released, costs are of course an estimate, but here is my plan:
Tour/travel: $5,000. We will need to get out on the road into regional and national touring to truly spread the word. These days, touring is more important than ever. Attention is hard to attain, so you have to get out there and play in front of people. I will devote a lot of time reaching out to booking agents in hopes of someone helping me out. If that doesn't happen, I'll book the shows myself along with the help from my bandmates. Money will go toward travel, paying the band, meals, any necessary hotel rooms, and any auxiliary and inevitable costs along the way.
Promotion/Publicity Campaign = 5,000 - 8,000. You need to get high profile album reviews, show reviews, interviews, blog mentions, vlog performances, IG mentions, a place on some hot new Spotify playlist, and whatever else is out there these days. This is a powerful place to put money in this ever-digital world. I will be doing a one or two month campaign with a reputable PR firm.
That would be it. $25,000. I was surprised myself what it adds up to, but that is what I need to pay off the record, to promote it well, and tour a bit. Anything extra would simply propel my band and I forward into our next project. That would be amazing. The more we get, the more can do.
The Swag:
LAST DAY ADDITION! HRDL, an incredible designer out in Norway is contributing one of his vinyl stands. Handmade and one of the best ways I've seen to store some records. Holds up to 30. Check out the website.
JUST IN! Custom sterling silver/diamond "KR" pendant designed and handmade at Angie Star Jewelry in Boulder, CO. Limited to 24 pieces.
VINYL RECORDS ARE ARRIVING SOON.
All pictures and design by Scott McCormick Photo and Design. Video by Merne Judson III.
Risks and challenges
Online music lessons are something that I have wanted to try for a long time. I want that to be fulfilling to whomever is on the other end. In case the internet is slow, which it often is where I live, I'm going to have a couple backup locations ready. I am also changing phone plans with this in mind, so I won't have to rely on weak wifi as much, and I have been researching the proper gear to have so that the student can hear and see me clearly. If those things work well, then it's just about teaching, which I love.
Scheduling a regional, national show will be a challenge, but nothing I'm not used to organizing. House shows depend a lot on the host, so I will work closely with those people so they understand their roll in the process. It'll be so much fun.
I will get as many shipments out as I can before I head out on tour with Gregory Alan Isakov. Looks like there will be 10 days between the Kid Reverie release and the beginning of that tour. I'll do what I can. If I can't complete the shipments, I'm back home from October 22nd through the 31st. Then I'm home again for a long while starting in mid-December. I will include updates and keep in touch with backers as best I can. If this campaign succeeds, it will make it my part time job taking care of the rewards. Bring it on.
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Funding period
- (14 days)