July 18, 2011
Well, I wanted to give everyone an update on the new CD and some details about, Kickstarter which is an opportunity for YOU to get an autographed copy & also join me in the actual making of the disc.
Over the past few months I’ve been driving out to Steve Oliver’s studio near Palm Springs, CA and we’ve been working non-stop to pull the disc together. Selecting the songs was difficult as I had a list of over 50 songs I wanted to cover. Steve, thankfully threw-in his sage advise and we finally cut it down to 14 tracks. The album is titled ‘Come Together” which gives you a hint at one of the tracks which made the final cut. I think you’ll be happy with the results, but I don’t want to give too much away just yet.
Recording is such an amazing process and Steve is a true inspiration to work with. Most people have a tough time “getting through the work day”, but when you’re in the studio time flies by and before you know it you’ve logged-in a solid 10 hour day- it’s amazing work. As everyone knows, music is my passion & I consider myself one of the lucky few who can do what they love 7 days a week. When it comes to putting a disc together I want to not only share a bit of myself and my passion for music with everyone, but also it’s an opportunity to commemorate moment in time. Sure, I get personal and throw in tracks in I’m ITCHING to play live, but I also try to include some will strike a chord with all of you. A producer helps you pull all the threads together, works with you to look beyond your own vision and see the big picture in terms of what works best for the overall feel of the disc. Steve has been such a fantastic friend and mentor through this process. I’ll admit, the drive is a bit tricky at times- 2 hours east of Los Angeles, but it’s also refreshing to get out of the city & see the mountains up close and personal.
The next step is setting up a new photo shoot with my favorite L.A. photographer, Rick Mendoza who did the photo shoot for my last disc on the roof of his downtown L.A. loft. Rick is a notable force in the downtown L.A. art scene and has an eye which can’t be beat. I don’t want to give away too much, but the artwork for “Come Together” will be my best ever.
So let me give you some details about Kickstarter, which BTW there’s only 25 days left for you to jump in & make a pledge. So here’s the deal, Kickstarter is a bit like a virtual ‘walk-a-thon’ and it gives those in the creative community a way to finance their project without breaking the bank. Any business has it’s costs and it takes funding to produce a high quality recording without the help of a record label. Kickstarter brings everyone, fans and friends together in some small or large way to get a project funded.
All you do is make a pledge which makes you comfortable, just like supporting someone on a walk-a-thon. If I reach my goal you’ve become an investor, if not- well let’s not think that way- but you pay nothing.
I wanted to explain few details so you understand how it works;
- Pledge as little- just a $1, or as much as you like safely and securely through Amazon and you will ONLY be responsible to pay if I reach my goal.
- The ‘Swag” you receive for your pledge will only happen if I reach my goal- for example- for a $25 pledge you’ll get an autographed copy of the disc ONLY IF I reach my goal
- The BIG ticket items($500 & above) do have some fine print, such as those pledging $500 & up to receive the live performance will be responsible for airfare & a P.A. rental IF the location is outside the state of California.. Please understand that would eat the entire finance of the project & although I love my fans, I need to keep the business part of this project running smoothly
- Finally, all items will be mailed once the disc is released- which will be within 90 days August 11th
If you have questions, I hope you’ll email me or send me a message through Facebook. I’m really excited about Kickstarter and want everyone to be a clear as possible on the details. The most important part of all of this is YOU, and I hope you find my music worth the investment.
I’ll be posted updates each week about the progress and behind the scenes pictures. I hope you can join me in the making of the new disc & feel free to share with your friends and family.
Best wishes,
Joe