CINEMETROPOLIS is coming. And we're bringing it back home.

After weighing all options for the release of our third full-length studio album, Cinemetropolis, we've decided to forego all traditional channels and return to the independent approach that made Blue Scholars who we are. No record label. No marketing and distribution deal. No middlemen. No bullsh*t. 

Instead, we're going to sign a deal with the people. Specifically, you.

An industry-standard release leaves very little to the imagination or creative diversion. A set amount of singles, videos, and a tour, constantly negotiated by a contract that dictates the "life cycle" of an album. Thing is, Cinemetropolis is our most ambitious release yet, and we don't want to stick to the script.

Our philosophy has always been to create our music and our media with creative freedom while still being able to sustain and grow ourselves. And at this point, we don't believe that the tired music industrial model is necessary for people to pick up what we're putting down. We don't need to compromise our vision by ascribing to the "deal." We believe the power of word-of-mouth far more than industry-induced hype, recognizing that it's been the support of our fans and not what we've signed that have gotten us where we are. 

With your support, we'll be able to release Cinemetropolis to you directly. Those who pledge in this campaign will receive the digital album weeks before it's actually released in June, and will get special exclusive-to-Kickstarter swag, not to mention be the first people to find out about when our Cinemetropolis singles, videos, and merch gets released. 

ABOUT CINEMETROPOLIS

Cinema has always played a major influence in Blue Scholars music, and this collection of songs is the most complete expression of that source of inspiration. During the creation of this collection of songs, an idea emerged: how does music influence cinema?

With your help, Cinemetropolis will be both an album and a collection of films inspired by the music. A sort of reverse movie soundtrack. With this project, each song, through collaborations with an array of filmmakers, will take on a life its own. We got a gang of music videos, short films and multimedia projects in the works, anchored by a featurette directed by longtime Blue Scholars collaborator Zia Mohajerjasbi. 

Cinemetropolis, our first full-length release since 2007's Bayani, will drop in June 2011, followed by a Fall tour. Kickstarter is the only way that you'll be able to get the album *before* the official release date. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Can I continue to give after you reach your goal?

A: YES! 25,000 is just the beginning of our campaign to release this album independently. We have a whole host of Cinemetropolis swag and film pieces that need backing alongside the album itself, and every penny earned from this campaign will go towards making the Cinemetropolis product bigger and badder. We also want as many people as possible to get the incentives if they feel so moved. Bottom line: no need to stop pledging! 

Q: Do I have to donate in order to buy the album? 

A: NOPE! Refer to the diagrams below: 

Everyone who invests in the Cinemetropolis project at $10+ will receive an advance digital copy as a thank you for your support. 

Q: How and when will we get the pre-release?!

We get your email addresses when you pledge to the project. You will receive an e-mail with the digital download code. 

Q: If I pledge at the $250 level, does that include entry into the release party? 

A: We just entered a new level where you can buy both, and get the VIP pass for the price of a general admission ticket. 

Q: What are the details of the super-secret release party? 

Well, they wouldn't be super secret now would they? =) The show will be all ages and on a weekday evening of the week of June 13th. When we confirm the space, depending on demand, we'll send out a message and let you all who pledged at that level know.