OPERATION ENCORE is a music collaboration of singer-songwriters and musicians from across the military and veteran communities. Our goal is to produce original music showcasing the unique talents of our artists. We hope to build on the success of our first album, released in November 2014 and successfully funded through KICKSTARTER. Since then our music has been available on iTunes, CD Baby and other outlets, and we have performed live in support of several veteran service organizations.
In late 2015, OPERATION ENCORE launched a search for songwriters to create a new album, and we were lucky to find some fantastic talent. We are currently finalizing a lineup that will consist of both new and returning artists. OPERATION ENCORE – VOLUME 2 will be the result of months of collaboration. In the end we will produce a professional-quality compilation of original songs that will stand on their own, and showcase some amazing talent.
Who We Are
OPERATION ENCORE was created by three Air Force pilots who have known each other for over a decade. Chris Kurek and Rob Raymond have been independently writing, performing and producing their own music since 2001. They joined with Erik Brine, a long time friend, fellow service-member, and veteran advocate in 2013 to develop this project.
With the first OPERATION ENCORE album under our belts, we are ready to take this project to the next level.
How Your Contribution Will Help
Initial fundraising efforts will cover album production costs, including studio recording, mixing, mastering, manufacturing, artwork, and logistics. As part of this unique collaborative experience, we will bring selected artists out to the studio, and we will launch the album with an epic release concert. This requires funding for travel and logistics, especially since our artists are scattered across the country, and some are still actively serving in the military.
Operation Encore Budget
The overall budget will be just over $25,000. Your contribution will be critical to covering the extensive costs involved in producing a professional-quality album, suitable for radio play, placement in TV and movies, and other outlets that will provide exposure and create revenue opportunities for these talented artists. Additionally, your contribution will help us facilitate collaboration among veterans who share a love for music. Finally, by helping us create and distribute this album, you will help us share our artists' talent with the public they have served.
Timeline
We plan to finish recording this summer. Mixing, mastering, digital distribution, and CD manufacturing will take a few months, then we'll begin shipping. Digital Downloads will be available to contributors prior to the official release date, which we currently anticipate in Fall 2016. The next step will be our Album Release Concert, currently planned for Veteran's Day weekend, 2016.
Our Music and Progress
Our first album is available through iTunes, CDBaby.com, and through our website at operationencoremusic.com. We will also be posting some songs as they come together in the studio, as well as videos chronicling our progress on our YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Our Artists
The list below includes artists from our first album, those returning for the 2nd album, and some fantastic new artists...all veterans or active-duty (plus one military spouse!):
- Stephen Covell
- Jerry Maniscalco
- Logan Vath
- Andrew Wiscombe
- Rachel Hill
- Steve Wilson
- Matt Stake
- Meghan Richards
- Doug Lane
- Theresa Denofre
- Keith Broecker
- Brett Cato
- Tom Abbott
- Steve Speckhard
- Joe Beasley
- Buc Richards
- Chris Kurek
- Rob Raymond
Our Partners
Risks and challenges
We have chosen several artists from across the country for OPERATION ENCORE – VOLUME 2.
We are already in the studio refining songs and laying down tracks before we bring selected artists out to the studio. We have collaborated with artists over email, phone, Skype, Facetime…you name it! Due to the nature of military service and the number of musicians we are working with, it is a challenge to fully collaborate in this way. There will be deployments, moves, and operations tempo for some, and school or work for others. Despite these challenges, we have a plan in place for all of our artists to record in the studio, and we have put together the right team to produce a top-quality album.
We also realize we are embarking on a collaborative adventure with more than a dozen people who don't know each other. One of the most rewarding aspects of OPERATION ENCORE has been the face-to-face collaboration, camaraderie, and friendship built on the common foundations of military service and love for music. This is best served by getting these musicians in the same location, around the same campfire, jamming to the same songs. It also gives us an opportunity to put on a local live gig that showcases our talented artists while spreading the word about OPERATION ENCORE.
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Funding period
- (55 days)