Hello People. Over the last few albums, as the Whitey project continues on its long, wandering path, there are three questions that people ask me over, and over again...
- Where can I buy your albums on CD/vinyl?
- When can I see you play live again?
- When you play, will you please come to my city/state/continent/planet?
The answer to all these questions is very simple - it's up to you.
Right now, I survive from music. The several thousand fans who consistently buy each new album pretty much keep me going. I've got my creative freedom, I'm my own boss, and I have the ability to distribute music globally- and that's a vast improvement on how things were for many musicians in previous decades.
BUT this same freedom has its drawbacks- without the financial muscle and backing of a large record label, recording each album sets me back to cash zero. And once I release each album, there is no funding to produce CDs or vinyl, to promote the album, and NEVER any money left to equip, rehearse, and take a show on the road. Tour support costs way more than most people realize. And that's a cycle most independent musicians now struggle to break.
I believe that's something we can change.
I've just had a strange few months, wandering in London and Los Angeles, and have emerged with a set of 13 songs. These have become my new album, which I have decided to call 'Bare Bones'. It's raw, more live, urgent and personal than previous Whitey albums. I'm ready to roll, but this time I HAVE to do this album justice.
And when this album is released? THIS time, I want to be able to hold it in my hands. In fact, I want to be able to hold ALL the Whitey albums in my hands- andI think my supporters should be able to do that too.
Finally- I'm going to take this new album, and my other music, out on the road in 2013, and play everywhere I can.
This is where somebody else comes in.
Kickstarter is the chance to BREAK this cycle. Pre-order this album, and help me get this request to as many people as you can- and I'll use the money we raise together to manufacture, rehearse, and go on tour. IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT.
WANT A SHOW IN YOUR CITY?
If you want a Whitey show in your country, in your city- just show theres a demand for it. Whether it's Osaka, Bogota, Berlin or... Portland, I'll come where the demand is. You have 30 days to show me where I'm wanted! If theres enough pledges from your city- then I'll do my very best to see YOU there in 2013. I have the UK's biggest agent Primary, ready to book a tour. The first shows in Switzerland at the end of March are already confirmed.
To build momentum, try to find a way to reach any Whitey fans you know... whether you post a status, write a blog, post a link, write to local/college radio or just play a Whitey record very loud until your neighbours/police ask what it is. There are a thousand different ways to raise awareness. For example: a Facebook appeal/group named "BRING THE WHITEY TOUR TO (YOUR HOME TOWN)" with links to the Kickstarter page is a good start. Your 30 days begin NOW.
SHINY OBJECTS OF DESIRE.
I've researched and designed these carefully, and I'm pleased to offer a variety of options that I personally would love to own. Some are straightforward affordable options, some are luxuries- but in all cases I will keep the quality high, high, high. You can find the full descriptions in the pledges on the right. The options start with high-quality downloads, go up through CDs w/Limited Edition tees...
There's even a pop art cube.... six sides, six sleeve arts, six CD albums...
And the cherry on the cake is... the Very Limited Edition vinyl box set. Gasp at its beauty.
There's only going to be one hundred of these box sets, EVER. And that's it. Signed, numbered, personally dedicated. What a heartbreaker.
There's also personally hand-written CD's, individually written and dedicated lyric poster art, a complete Whitey lyric book.... and one of my guitars. You chaps are SPOILT.
SO, WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
That's it! I'm keeping it short, sweet and to the point- I'm ready to record, manufacture, rehearse and pack my bags- but from here on it's all down to YOUR efforts. I thank you in advance... hope I see you out there somewhere in 2013.
Risks and challenges
This is where I'm told I have to tell you about the 'risks and challenges' that come with this project. But this project is remarkably straightforward. After my tangled first deal with Polygram as a little embryonic musician, I promised myself I would never again find myself ignorant of the legal, and practical basics of the music life. So I took a crash course in Music Business & Contract Law. Since then I've tried to maintain a degree of independence and maneuverability, and thats led me to work with many, many small labels. This means I've seen how to do it right- and how to not do it right- played out before me many times.
And what I've gathered from watching various small labels rise and fall, is (1) just keep it simple. Don't offer too much. Good music, limited runs, priced sanely. And (2) its vital to research and schedule things properly. Find out where, and how to produce your product. Then crucially, allow enough time to do it WELL.
Thats why you'll notice the project delivery dates on the more complex items are staggered- I want them to be beautifully put together, and I want these box sets to be something that I personally want to own- which I do.
Plus I'm a little OCD about getting creative things 'right'... I'm a one man band for a reason. Meaning I'll get this right, full stop. With your help, of course.
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Funding period
- (30 days)