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Creating "Yellowjacket" A Motown throwback record.

The record I have always wanted to make. "Yellowjacket" will be a throwback Motown record inspired by Al Green and Smokey Robinson.
54 backers pledged $10,161 to help bring this project to life.
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Portland, OR Pop

$10,161

pledged of $10,000 goal

54

backers

I have never been more inspired to make a record. I am proud of all my past albums and songs but I feel like this is going to be my most authentic collection of songs to date. I am essentially a soul singer but I have never allowed myself to truly do a soul record oddly enough. It's like I have held back in some ways, I don't even know why actually. Regardless, I want to let go on this one!

I am going to make a Motown throwback record that sounds like 1963. It will have some current sounds to stay fresh and original, like a male Amy Winehouse kind of thing, but it will be grounded in that early 60's classic Motown sound! I am drawing inspiration from Al Green, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Hall & Oates. 

The record is called "Yellowjacket" and I am going to employ real horns, real grand piano, bass, drums, electric guitar and that signature tambourine! I feel like this is the record I have always wanted to make. I don't want to leave this planet without making it! I already have the band put together for this project and I just finished writing the songs. It poured out of me in 2 weeks. 

I want it to be stripped down, powerful, and beautifully imperfect. I plan on throwing the vocals going down in just 1 or 2 takes. I want real instruments and players. I want classic tones and lush horns. Soulful.

Exact things that the money will go toward:

1. Recording costs in the studio and buying some new gear to get the right sounds.  

2. Mixing and Mastering with producer Steve Sundholm. 

3. Manufacturing of the CD when it's finished.

4. Sending out promotional materials and marketing expenses specifically for the promotion of this record. 

5. Paying the musicians for their time.

Thank you. I appreciate you. I am sending you good karma! 

Geoff Byrd on stage with Hall and Oates during an encore singing "Kiss Is On My List"
Geoff Byrd on stage with Hall and Oates during an encore singing "Kiss Is On My List"
Geoff Byrd backstage on tour with Hall and Oates. I was their opening act for 50 shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. I love those guys!
Geoff Byrd backstage on tour with Hall and Oates. I was their opening act for 50 shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. I love those guys!
Opening for the great Stevie Wonder! Geoff Byrd singing 1,000 Miles of Life (Oates, Byrd, Leiber) with John Oates, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Jed Leiber (Jeff Beck), and the late, GREAT T-Bone Wolk. Best night of my life.
Opening for the great Stevie Wonder! Geoff Byrd singing 1,000 Miles of Life (Oates, Byrd, Leiber) with John Oates, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Jed Leiber (Jeff Beck), and the late, GREAT T-Bone Wolk. Best night of my life.
Sending good vibes.
Sending good vibes.

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  1. Select this reward

    Pledge $10 or more About $10

    You can choose any 4 songs in my catalogue and I will email them to you personally with a thank you note, my appreciation, & good karma.

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  2. Select this reward

    Pledge $25 or more About $25

    You will get a signed copy of the record that you are helping to create called "Yellowjacket," a thank you note, and a private link to the lyrics & artist notes of each song.

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  3. Select this reward

    Pledge $50 or more About $50

    You will get 2 signed copies of "Yellowjacket" with lyrics and artist notes for each song, plus any 10 songs from my song catalogue and a signed photo.

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  4. Select this reward

    Pledge $100 or more About $100

    You will get 3 signed copies of "Yellowjacket" with lyrics and artist notes for each song, plus ALL 59 songs from my past catalogue, including rare and unreleased material as well as a signed photo and a thank you note.

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  5. Select this reward

    Pledge $200 or more About $200

    You will get 5 signed copies of "Yellowjacket" with lyrics and artist notes for each song, plus ALL 59 songs from my past catalogue, including rare and unreleased material as well as a signed photo.

    In addition, you will also get a digital copy of my audiobook called "The Byrd Method: Writing Songs With a Laser Focus." The audiobook is 66 minutes of songwriting instruction great for beginners and pro's alike along with a personal thank you note.

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  6. Select this reward

    Pledge $500 or more About $500

    You will get 10 signed copies of "Yellowjacket" with lyrics and artist notes for each song, plus ALL 59 songs from my past catalogue, including rare and unreleased material as well as a signed photo.

    In addition, you will also get a digital copy of my audiobook called "The Byrd Method: Writing Songs With a Laser Focus." The audiobook is 66 minutes of songwriting instruction great for beginners and pro's alike.

    Also, I will make a special video for you of any song you want me to sing from my catalogue. I'll do a stripped down version just acoustic and vocals or even a cappella just for you personally.

    I'll put it up on Youtube and mention that it is just for you. I will also thank you personally in the video.

    Plus you get a copy of my e-book "Clarity" which deals with the power of positive thinking and getting through depression in a natural way. I went through a tough time getting back on my feet after losing my record deal. This is my book trying to help artists that have gone through the same thing. It's also for anyone that has been through a roller coaster.

    FInally, you can get into any show I play in 2012 for free (you +1)

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  7. Select this reward

    Pledge $1,000 or more About $1,000

    *You will get 20 copies of "Yellowjacket" with lyrics and artist notes for each song, plus ALL 59 songs from my past catalogue, including rare and unreleased material.

    *You will get a signed photo.

    *In addition, you will also get a digital copy of my audiobook called "The Byrd Method: Writing Songs With a Laser Focus." The audiobook is 66 minutes of songwriting instruction great for beginners and pro's alike.

    *Also, I will make a special video for you of any song you want me to sing from my catalogue. I'll do a stripped down version just acoustic and vocals or even a cappella just for you personally. I'll put it up on Youtube and mention that it is just for you. I will also thank you personally in the video.

    *Plus you get a copy of my e-book "Clarity" which deals with the power of positive thinking and getting through depression in a natural way.

    *You can get into any show I play in 2012 and 2013 for free (you +1)

    *Bonus! You can go to http://geoffbyrd.com/art/
    and choose an original painting or 2 framed photographs and I will sign them and send them to you. I have only finished 10 paintings my whole life. You'll get one of them.

    *Thank you so much for being a patron of the arts. I genuinely appreciate it. Sending good karma. Much love!
    G

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Funding period

- (39 days)