Support Kaizo's Album Release & Music Journey

Music has always been a huge part of my life--from singing to my stuffies to playing saxophone in high school jazz band. My Dad gave me my first guitar when I was 12 years old and I started writing music as soon as I could muscle out a couple chords. About 7 years ago I started experiencing chronic pain in my hands, wrists and arms that has largely prevented me from playing instruments, which led to many years of not making music at all.

Last year I decided that I wanted to start taking testosterone as part of my gender journey. I was excited to keep exploring authentic expression but pretty scared about how it would impact my singing voice. As part of the grieving and growing process, I decided to make an album of many of my existing songs. But, after many years off, I was pretty out of practice and lacked the skills necessary to do this project any kind of justice. With the unfathomable generosity of my incredibly talented friend Ellie DiBerardino, I've been able to memorialize twelve cherished songs--some of which were written over a decade ago--that weave together a story of exploring life in the Bay in my early twenties and beyond.

Ellie is an incredible producer--so dedicated, so thorough, and so so SO gifted. She expanded each song into a beautiful soundscape that is beyond what I ever could have imagined. Collaborating with her has inspired me to start making music again while navigating the chronic pain and a changing voice. It's been challenging at times, but incredibly joyful; I've written half a dozen songs this year already, and I'm endlessly grateful to reintroduce one of my favorite mediums of expression back into my life.

This fundraiser will cover the costs of producing the album and, hopefully, an Omnichord--a super cool instrument that will make it easier for me to continue making music with less pain. To support other LGBTQ+ artists, I will match up to $250 in donations the Queer Cultural Center, and anything beyond our goal will go there as well.

Whether or not you donate, look out for the album: Carving in my Bones by Dead Dear comes to streaming platforms near you this Summer Solstice (June 20)!