I wish I needed no introduction, but unfortunately I do: I am Rich Malley, a/k/a ManChildATX, singer/songwriter/performer/producer.
Friends, we have a problem. A problem so serious, so potentially destructive, that it threatens our whole way of life. That’s right: I’m talking about the shortage of cool jamz.
Now, there’s plenty of "pretty good" music out there. But is "pretty good" good enough for you? I don't think so!
But together we can do something about it. To do your part, just click that big green "Back This Project" button. If you and enough other people do that, I'll do my part and bring My Mouse Finger Is Insured for $10M, the second ManChildATX album, out on CD.
“They” said I’m a big stupid idiot to make a CD because no one will know about it. Plus, people will be jealous of my excessive talent and good looks
If I may, let me address the second point first: For their information, I'm sure lots of the people who are going to back my campaign—and you know who you are—have excessive talent and good looks. So ipso facto incorrecto on that score.
Now, am I stupid to make a CD that no one will know about? Well, sure, I can see why “they” might think that I'm stupid. But with your help, “they” will be proved wrong! That makes you 0 for 2, “they!” So go suck an egg!
But you, please continue reading, unless you are ready to click that big green "Back This Project" button.
See, the second ManChildATX album, My Mouse Finger Is Insured for $10M, is already done. It’s completely recorded, mixed and mastered. Me and the ManChildATX Visual Presence Team (VPT) did a pro-fessional photo shoot for the CD photography, with a custom made logo sign and my one-of-a-kind ManChildATX suit. The VPT has a rough CD cover layout in place. I'll be ready to manufacture that sucker very shortly once my fundraising goal is met, with your generous help. How can you help? First, click that big green "Back This Project" button. Second, and just as important, help me spread the word by sharing this with your friends.
First, to get my music heard by more people. Even if I just barely make my Kickstarter goal, I will be thrilled to get the album out to so many of you as CD and download donation rewards (not to mention how grateful I'll be for your help). To make my goal I'll probably need the support of a few hundred people. Getting the album in the hands of a just few hundred people will be huge for me! Huge!
Second, to bring the album out on CD. Yes, I know, you barely even touch the things anymore. But as an unknown artist, I need to have CDs to send to select radio stations, publications and blogs, and to sell at shows. A CD is slightly harder to ignore than, say, a postcard with a download code. And more prone to an impulse listen that might get me some hizz-ype or plezz-ay. Your contribution will help me manufacture the CDs and the packaging.
Third, to mail out promos. A portion of your generous help will go for packaging and postage, not only to fulfill rewards, but also to send promo CDs and press kits to the aforementioned. Hey, believe me—I am being realistic about results. But if I don't try to get folks interested, it's a sure bet they won't be. Am I right? Am I right? You know I'm right.
So what are you going to do about it? Oh, you're gonna click that big green "Back This Campaign" button? You are awesome!
Just to be clear, I will fulfill all contributor rewards before I start mailing promos. And, hey, about those rewards...
That's right: those of you who are kind enough to help my dream take wings are entitled to some awesome rewards! So step right up. Come on down—we’re gonna make this thing happen, right? Who wants a CD? Who wants an autographed CD? Who wants a multi-pak, with one CD to keep and one to share with a friend?
Who wants a trucker hat, or his or her name on the CD cover credits? Who wants a personal Skype concert from my bathroom? Step right up, there’s plenty for everyone! Watch it, ma’am, don’t crush that toddler! Step up! Step up!
Most of the tunes are your traditional bass/guitar/drums/vocal instrumentation. There's no single genre, but there are nods at alt-pop, funk, rock steady, punk and dub. Everything was recorded digitally, but most parts were recorded "live." A few songs use loops, and a couple of songs use mostly electronic instrumentation. All in all, I'm really proud of this work. I definitely think there is an audience for it, and I really hope you enjoy it.
Sorry, but there are no slow jamz on this album.
A rundown of the songs:
Armstrong’s Doctor’s Doctor—Who takes care of the cyclist’s caretaker, and how good must his medicine be?
Mouse Finger—In which the recording artist explains why his cursor digit is insured for $10M.
Peanut Butter Setback*—I gained a lot of weight by snacking on peanut butter, then I wrote a killer song about it. Guest artists on this track include Julie Lowery on co-lead vocals and Charles Dickey on trombone.
Defender—A bleepy-bloopy electronic homage to the classic Williams arcade game. Mutants rising!
My Nina—A peppy number about someone deciding whether to leave his lover or his self-esteem.
Fall Fan—I am one. I wrote a song about it. It rocks.
Freaky*—Why do people care about things I don't care about? Because they are... well, you know. Charles Dickey plays trombone on this track and Kristy Knight of the Horsies helps out on vocals.
Down Bad Doggie—This alpha male’s shaggy dog tale. It's ruff and tough.
Altuve #27—A tribute to Jose Altuve, the outstanding second baseman of the Houston Astros. My dream is for this to be his walkup music.
Nina’s Dub—I did a dub version of a song on my first album, and wanted to do it again. I wrote “My Nina” expressly for the purpose of dubbing it out. I love how both tracks came out and stand on their own.
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*These songs contain swears, but the album will include clean versions, too.
For those of you who are all like, "It kinda seems like I should know who that dude is, but I don't," relax—you're in good company. Here's a music bio of me
I’ve been a longtime drummer in the Austin indie music scene who has become a late blooming—sue me—songwriter/producer/recording artist. Bands I have played with include early Austin art-punk sleepers the Kamikaze Refrigerators, almost all-woman (except for me!) post-punkers Happy Family, world beat-ish dance favorites the Horsies, plus stints in tons of other bands, making me lucky enough to know and have played with many, many talented Austin musicians. The first ManChildATX record, Kickass Tunes for Jamming Out, was released as a download only in 2012 and is still available at manchildatx.com, iTunes and CDBaby.
Oh, and if I could just ask one more favor...
You guys, your support is worth much more than mere dollars and cents to me. Once again, please click that big green "Back This Campaign" button. I appreciate it way more than you could ever know.
Risks and challenges
I don't see a lot of potential problems: the album is recorded, mixed and mastered. The cover art is shot. Getting the cover art completed is a creative process, so that could take longer than I expect, which would delay getting the CDs manufactured. And I'm self-employed, so it's possible that I will be so swamped with work that it takes me longer than expected to fulfill rewards. Or I could be walking down the street and an anvil falls on my head. But I take the responsibility seriously and will do everything I can to get the work done and all rewards fulfilled by deadline. Thank you.
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Funding period
- (30 days)