Steph's Upcoming Jazz Album 'So in Love'
Radical growth. Gratitude. Transformation.
I am happy to announce the upcoming release of my 5th studio album, "So in Love." Featuring pianist Josh Nelson (Natalie Cole), guitarist Anthony Wilson (Diana Krall), trumpeter Chris Lawrence, bassist Rob Thorsen and drummer Richard Sellers - this NEW album is a collection of my favorite jazz standards and ballads and I can't wait to share the whole project with you!
Here is a preview of "Wish I Knew" - let me know what you think! :)
(Video by Eboni Harvey)
Play a part in getting this music on the radio, streaming on all platforms and bringing it to live concerts and audiences worldwide. With your help, we will be able to release this music in the Spring 2020.
We have PR, promotions and social media in place. We've covered the cost of musicians, the studio time and videographer. I am pre-selling CDs, vinyls and digital downloads to help cover the costs of getting the album finished and on jazz radio stations around the world. I am also offering some really fun perks with this release! (see them all listed below under Tell Me More About The Perks!)
Now we need to raise $11,500 for:
- Licensing
- Final mixing
- Mastering
- Design
- Printing of CDs and vinyl (yes, my first album on a record!)
- Mailing/Postage
Tell Me More About The Perks!
We have a lot of perks - like me cooking you dinner at a very special listening party, signed copies of the record, limited edition photos from the studio session signed by the band and a sailboat excursion with me and you and a bottle of your favorite wine and cheese pairing, my treat. :)
$10 - Digital download
$25 - CD signed by Steph (includes postage)
$45 - Vinyl signed by Steph, plus digital download (includes postage)
$55 - CD, vinyl signed by Steph, plus digital download (includes postage)
$100 - Ticket to CD release concert in San Diego, limited edition photo from the studio signed by the entire band, CD, vinyl signed by Steph plus digital download.
$150 - VIP ticket to CD release concert in San Diego, limited edition photo from the studio signed by the entire band, CD, vinyl signed by Steph plus digital download.
$500 - Limit to 6 people - A special sail excursion around the bay with food, wine, hang time with Robbie and Steph, plus a Bose listening experience of the full album in noise cancelling headphones. Also includes one VIP ticket to the CD release show, signed photo, CD, vinyl signed by Steph and digital download.
$750 - Limit to 12 people - a special listening party and multi course dinner for two prepared by Steph at a beautiful house in North County Coastal/San Diego area. I will plan a dinner specific to your dietary restrictions, paired with your favorite beverage. Spend an evening with Steph, Rob and Richard Sellers. Includes VIP ticket for two for the CD release concert, limited edition photo from the studio signed by the entire band, CD, vinyl signed by Steph plus digital download.
$1000 - You'll receive a shared producer credit on the album and you will also receive the album before it comes out, emailed to you as a digital download and on a CD. You will also be invited to dinner with Steph and Rob - our treat! Two VIP tickets to the CD release concert in San Diego with an invitation to relax with us after the show. Also includes limited edition photo from the studio signed by the entire band, CD, vinyl signed by Steph.
***Any donation made that is more than any amount listed here would automatically include you in one of the special hangs - the special sail excursion or an invitation to the listening party in Solana Beach with dinner - plus early copy of album and all the other perks listed.
We look forward to sharing some time and music with you! 
(Photo by Kristy Walker)
How I Got Here
I have been on a musical journey that has brought me around the sun and back. What I want to tell you is a story that begins over 4 years ago when my world as an independent artist began to shift in a major way - when everything I had ever hoped for in my creative life started happening at lightning speed.
A private donor helped me make an album of my original music, as well as pay for medical treatments to stabilize my health. This allowed me the resources and time to dedicate my energy completely to my health issues related to Grave's Disease as well as the opportunity to work with Grammy award winning producer Kamau Kenyatta (Gregory Porter). The end result was a return to better health and a beautiful record, produced by Kamau titled "Music is Art ." 
(Photo by Carey Braswell)
This was the epitome of everything I had ever worked and hoped for and we were quickly picking up steam.
Just as I was planning my first European tour to promote the album, a little choir I started for people experiencing homelessness in San Diego began gaining attention. Each week we welcomed more people affected by the housing crisis who were struggling to survive. Little by little I began to shift gears from full time musician to full time homeless advocate. 
(Photo by Michele Zousmer)
Only a couple of months after releasing my album "Music is Art", a story about the choir ran nationally on PBS Newshour, which led to a documentary film by Susan Polis Schutz for PBS TV - and that's when my life changed forever. 
(photos by Michele Zousmer)
I halted my music career and started a homeless shelter with the help of friends. The choir grew and we became a powerful nonprofit giving a voice to people who desperately needed one. I spent my days attending city council meetings, driving choir members to doctor's appointments and assisting our unsheltered singers utilize local services. I could feel that this calling was much bigger than me and required my full attention. So I gave it my all.
Though VOICES OF OUR CITY has been the most rewarding experience of my life, I have struggled to find the time to make my own music. I knew that one day our organization would be established enough that I could get back to making my own music again. 
(From our joint performance with the San Diego Symphony and the Master Chorale)
Welcome to the present moment
"So in Love" is the name and title song of my new album set to be released in the Spring 2020. I chose the name because this is how I feel about life. I am 'So in Love' with everything. I have endless gratitude and love for my husband Robbie, for my family, friends and health. I am excited about our new album and my future and I am amazed by the choir -
VOICES OF OUR CITY is thriving with over 250 members. We have incredible performance opportunities in 2020, too. To date, we've empowered 46 individuals to move off the streets and into safe housing and/or shelter. I have poured my heart and soul into the people and the organization and I can tell you that we are truly changing the lives of our unsheltered neighbors through music. It's a miracle with a mission that I will serve for the rest of my life.
With your help, I will be able to share my music with the world - fulfilling my personal mission and dream once again.
Thank you for listening, watching the video, reading the story and/or sharing this campaign. It means so much to me to be here, now - almost 40 years old and in total awe of the life around me!
Please know how moved I am to have your support. Without crowdfunding, the majority of artists would never be able to put out their bodies of work. It's because of people like YOU that art even exists!
Thank you for making my new album a possibility.
Wishing you peace, joy and love always,
Steph Johnson
