Help Send Ethan James On Tour
Who Am I?
My name is Ethan James and I am a local singer, songwriter, and musician from New Fairfield, CT. Music has always played an integral role in my life. I started my journey as a musician at about 10 years old, and spent the majority of my young life dreaming of a career in music. Through every big moment I’ve experienced, good and bad, music has seen me through. It's truly one of the major reasons I'm still alive.
I spent most of my adult life destroying myself; battling addiction and mental illness. As I struggled to maintain my health, I lost my way on the path to my dreams. My music suffered as I suffered, at the mercy of my demons.
These days, I've been sober for over 6 years. I am focused on maintaining my health and sobriety, my relationships, and all the aspects of my life affected by my addiction and mental health struggles. I am ready to take on the challenge of achieving my dreams.
I now have the drive and the passion to carry a message of love and peace via my music. My music heals me and I want to touch others in ways that heal them. I feel so confident that this is what I am meant to do with my life. I have been bestowed two great gifts; my music, and my life. I refuse to spend one more day wasting either one.
The next step for me is clear. I need to take the big leap into the world of a touring musician and build a reputation and connections for myself on a broader scope. That part of my journey begin here.
I have recently been presented with an amazing opportunity to join two great CT performers, Kyle Trocolla and Jeremy Zombii, on a 10-day, West Coast tour. I believe that this is a perfectly timed opportunity to take this step, under the wing of two skilled and experienced touring musicians.
So... why am telling you all this?
Well, I need your help. Even though I am booking as many gigs as possible and saving every penny I can, I struggle to see how I can manage to raise the funds needed to achieve this goal. This is why I am humbly asking for those who know me to consider donating to this campaign in support of my dreams.
After speaking to some experienced musicians and pricing expenses, I feel I’ve come up with a good outline of what will be needed, financially, to join this tour. Beyond the assumed costs of touring (transportation, lodging, food, etc.), I have learned that merchandise and albums are crucial to a tour of this nature. Merch not only serves to make money for an artist, but help promote their brand as a musician.
Below you will see the breakdown of the expenses as I have worked them out.
Tour Expenses – While there will be some money to be made while touring, this is the funding I need to have secured in advance to be sure that my share of expenses are covered. I provide ranges because there can always be small surcharges, taxes, etc. that are tacked onto expenses.
Transportation:
Roundtrip Airfare (depending on rate fluctuation): $500-$700
Rental Car (10 days, split between 3 people): $100-$150
Lodging (we will crash with friends and fellow musicians as much as possible): $250-$300
Food & Necessities: $30-$40/day = $300-$400 for 10 days
Pre-Tour Expenses
Recording Audio Content for Distribution: $200-$300
Pressing and Packaging of Audio Content: $300-$400
Merch (Primarily SHIRTS, possibly pins & stickers): $200-$350
Now, what do you get in return for your donation?
Knowing the people who love and care about me, just the ability to contribute to my dream and my eternal gratitude... that would be enough. But for me its not enough. I want to offer something more in return.
So, right off the bat, every generous individual who donates will receive a copy of the soon-to-be released Easy Street teaser, "Mind the Bend" a 5 track live set. Also acting as a prelude to our official live EP: Live at Ridgefield Play house
We will have more fun incentives to come and everyone will receive them, including those who have already made donations!
Thank you so much for taking the time to hear my story! – E.J.
