Hi friends, family, and strangers.

 

I'd like to borrow you for a sec to tell you a story and make a request.

 

STORY:

I went into 2022 with the goal of writing, recording and releasing an EP by the end of the year. An EP usually consists of 3-7 songs, so I felt like it was a significant but doable challenge.

 

I hit the ground running in January and began working on music intended for the EP but felt the first song was fighting me every step of the way. After a few weeks of endless motivation with no productivity, I decided to step away from writing for a deadline and try focusing on writing for fun. So as not to stifle creativity in what was meant to be a creative exercise, I set minimal rules for myself (not forcing things to rhyme, etc.). The only hard and fast rule was to say whatever I needed to say that day, no matter how unmarketable or ugly or pointless.

 

So, on March 5th, I wrote a song.

 

On March 6th, I wrote another.

 

On March 7th, I wrote another.

 

They were never intended to be heard, but they were better than anything I'd written in years, and I had accidentally written enough material for my EP. So I committed to following this creative prompt for an entire week, which came and went. I rode this creative wave for 12 consecutive days total.

 

By March 17th, I had a full-length album's worth of music.

 

Never have I experienced anything like this, and it has been such a unique and vulnerable experience that I can't wait to share. So here's where you come in.

 

REQUEST:

If you read the story portion above, then you are caught up.

 

If you didn't, here is the summary: I wrote 13 songs that I didn't plan on writing.

 

Now that everyone is on the same page, I've had a lot of anxiety about this next part, but I recognize there is beauty in letting people who love you (and don't love you) invest in your art.

 

So I'm trust falling.

 

These 13 songs I have written belong together in a concept album (which I’m excited to share more about in the near future!). While I can record vocals and instruments from my home studio, I will need to pay for mixing, mastering, and production services.

 

So I am asking for the exact amount I need to make this album happen.

Ideally, I would release a few singles here and there over the next few months with the intention of releasing the entire album in the Fall.

 

If this campaign exceeds the goal, any extra money will go towards hiring someone to create the album artwork.

 

If there are any funds left after that expense, I would love to put it towards a fun merch thing (a limited vinyl pressing or something?).

 

I realize a project like this is not a necessity in the grand scheme of things. But, having acknowledged that, music is what keeps me keeping on, and if you find yourself feeling able or inclined, I am grateful for any contribution to my art (and subsequently, my purpose), no matter how small. I will be sure to post regular updates regarding goals and releases to this campaign so everyone that contributes can stay up to date!

 

Lastly, if you're reading this, whether I know you or not, I love you and you are valued, and everything will be okay for both of us.

 

-Kaia