Help "Sweetbreads" Create Her Dream Album!

HELLO, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!!

I am so excited (and a little bit terrified) to announce that I am finally making moves to record a full-length, 9-track album!!! After years of playing gigs in NYC, I can confidently say my singer/songwriter project, Sweetbreads, has a cohesive collection of songs that will make a banger of an album. If you’ve ever been to one of my band’s shows and wished you could stream any particular song, this GoFundMe is where you can help to make those recordings a reality. If you haven’t seen us live or heard our music, you can listen to our previously released songs here. I am asking my community of friends, family, and listeners to help me raise $6,000 dollars in order to make the album of my dreams. Any amount you can give, large or small, is so deeply appreciated.

ABOUT SWEETBREADS:

I began writing songs in college and fell in love with the craft. Sweetbreads is the name I started performing under in 2017. The name comes from the culinary delicacy, sweetbreads, which is pancreas of a calf or lamb. I chose this moniker because the word conjures up images of dessert pastries, but sweetbreads are actually guts! This concept is how I view the songs I write; the melodies are sweet but they take courage and honesty to write. Songwriting has always been the best outlet for me to sort through my complicated emotions, anxieties, and feelings of isolation. It means the world to me that people who have heard my songs relate to them. It makes all the work worthwhile.

I’ve been playing in venues all over NYC for years now and am so grateful for the incredible community I’ve found through music. I’m lucky to collaborate with my dear friend, Nick Watt, who I met at an open mic in 2015. Nick co-wrote three songs that will be on this album and is always the first person I send newly written songs to. He, along with Jason Cummings (bass), Anthony Spinnato (drums), Sean Cahill (Guitar), and Hayley Rose Harrington (background vocals and guitar) are the incredible musicians who make up my live band. Together we’ve played over 60 shows in the last four years, and released two EPs (“Out of Range”, “Goodnight”).

This album marks a new chapter for Sweetbreads! I will be working with a producer to switch up my sound in new and exciting ways. The goal for this record is to fine tune the music to allow the lyrics and melody to inform the arrangements. This will lead to a softer, more organic indie-folk pop sound. Creating this album will push my creative process into uncharted territory. I hope you will join me for the ride!

WHY I'M ASKING FOR YOUR HELP:

Making music is not cheap or easy! As a music educator who lives in an expensive city, it can be difficult to make ends meet in general. Asking for financial support is tough and embarrassing, but these songs are my everything. I am incredibly proud of them. So here I am, humbly asking for your help in order to make the best record I possibly can. It would be a great honor to have you join me on this journey. Let’s make something beautiful together!

WHAT YOUR DONATION PAYS FOR:

Studio Time - We plan to record at The Creamery. It is a gorgeous, big, open studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This will allow us to create a full, lush sound.

Producer Fees - I’ve decided to work with Quinn Devlin, a local NYC producer. We met playing a house show in Brooklyn. Later, I sang backing vocals on another project Quinn produced. I immediately recognized his talent and drive. He has the ear and sensibility for the soft, indie-folk sound that I love. You can listen to a sampler of his work here.

Mixing/Mastering Costs

The $6,000 goal I am asking to fundraise will cover the lion’s share of these costs. I have a friend who has generously gifted me $4,000 to cover additional costs. I will be scrimping and saving as well in order to pay the musicians who play on the record, and any promotion I can afford once the album is complete (music videos, photos, and press, etc.).

THANK YOU. Thank you for reading this, considering donating, and for joining me on this creative endeavor! Any amount you give is greatly appreciated. If you are not able to donate, but want to contribute, sharing this page and listening to my music helps as well :) I’ll be posting some information about making the album on this page, but most updates will be shared through my substack. You can subscribe to that newsletter here.

With love and gratitude,

Melody Stolpp

P.S. If you have contributed, I’d like to send you a handwritten thank you (and a Sweetbreads sticker)! Please send me your address. Anyone who donates $100 or more will also receive a hand-printed Sweetbreads t-shirt!