Hello beautiful human!
I've got a bunch of new studio songs to share with you, and the time has come to bring them into the world and make them real. I really want to give these songs their best chance with amazing physical media (including vinyl!) and a promotional campaign to help them get into as many ears as possible. You can help breathe life into this music, and I've put together a lot of cool perks and rewards to thank you. So please take a look at the different rewards on the page--I really think you're going to find something you love!
What's This Album About?
If you have been following me for any length of time, you know that I think music is a legit form of healing magic. When we hear a song that touches on our own painful experiences, we actually start to heal and feel better. We feel better because it finally lets us cry, or because it reminds us of how far we've come, or just because we finally feel seen and understood. Music lets us know we're not alone in our struggle. So--the short answer is that this album is about getting real and finding healing.
OK, So What Does "Shadow Work" Mean?
The phrase "shadow work" comes out of the Jungian pyschological concept of the shadow. Our shadow is all the parts of ourselves that we have hidden away for some reason over the years. Shadow work means showing up for every part of ourselves -- including the dark parts, and the parts that we pushed down because we didn't feel safe to share them at the time.
As we do this work, we get to understand ourselves better. Sometimes, this work is scary, because it puts us face to face with our inner demons. But when we look our greatest fears in the eye, we learn what's really behind them, and the truth can set us free. Shadow work gives us the opportunity to heal our wounds, and choose to live beyond them.
This album is about my own personal journey with shadow work, and I hope it also brings hope and grace to your journey. 2020 really forced many of us to come face to face with our worst fears! I want this album to help you find the strength you need to get through difficult times, and to shine a light in the darkness. We have all had to struggle. But we don't have to do it alone.
What Am I Fundraising For?
Primarily, I am raising funds to make the digital and physical experience of this album as amazing as possible.
VINYL: I've never done a vinyl release before, and people have been asking for it for years. I did a lot of research, and also got feedback from you, to really figure out what would make it a supremely cool vinyl experience. What I've heard from you is that lyrics and production credits are a must have (I agree) and that a beautiful, exciting visual experience is really meaningful too. So I made those things a priority in my choices.
CDs: I'm also doing a small CD run and I'm not skimping on that either -- if you have my last album, Rising Rising Rising on CD you know that it came with a beautiful ecowallet plus a lyric insert, and I'm going to be doing this CD at that same level of quality.
Let's talk about artwork. I've commissioned Delia Stanley to do the artwork for the cover. She has shown me some early sketches and I'm so so excited -- this is absolutely going to be the most gorgeous art on anything I've ever released. As soon as the cover is ready I'll be sharing it here and on social media!
Physical media costs a lot to manufacture and ship - but it's really important to me to give you something really beautiful and special to hold in your hands, and play on your stereo. And yes, of course this will be released digitally too -- everyone who contributes at any level will be getting a digital download of both Mp3s and lossless FLAC files.
T-SHIRTS, STICKERS, AND MORE: Overwhelmingly, when I asked you what bonuses would be special to have with the album, I got responses like: t-shirts, stickers, and buttons. Your wish is my command. If you've bought a shirt or other apparel from me before, you know I care a lot about making sure that it's something that feels great to wear -- as well as fair manufacturing practices that do not involve sweatshop labor. I've done the research and found really great providers to bring high quality, awesome merch your way.
PROMOTION TO GIVE THESE SONGS THEIR BEST CHANCE: My dad and I have spent the last several years working incredibly hard on these songs in the studio, and it's been an absolute labor of love for both of us. I want to honor these songs by putting them out into the world as powerfully as possible. I have found someone I know and trust to help me get them onto radio and playlists -- and ultimately into more ears. I believe my life's work is to connect and heal through music. By being a part of this album, you are helping me live that calling.
So...Go Pick Out Something Nice For Yourself!
Over the last few months I've been using social media and email to ask what would be most exciting and delightful to you. I've paid close attention and I've come up with a list of rewards and perks that I think you'll really love. If there's something that's NOT here that you want to see, please tell me! If I possibly can, I want to make it happen for you.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. I'm so grateful that you're in my world, and we get to share this magic together.
