Michael Reed's FIRST Studio Album!
Dear friends, family and strangers alike -
As some of you know, my name is Michael Reed. I have created and performed music for more than twenty years of my life, and have shared the stage (and recording studio) with acts such as Steam Powered Giraffe, The Smart Brothers, Kelsea Little and the 78's, L.A. Edwards, Jesse Daniel Edwards and Suzanne Shea. To those still unfamiliar with me or who I strive to be, it is my aspiration to share with you the great significance of thoughtfulness, the power of extrospection through the lens of genuine introspection, and to ultimately radiate my inborn spirit of kindness - all of this I communicate and exhibit most substantially through audio and video.
MY PLAN (in context)
Beginning August 1st, with or without crowd-funding (through loans), I will be renting a sound isolated room in San Diego, CA for the duration of three to four months with the sole intention of recording my first studio album. I have been attempting to create this album for the past five years of my life, and due to both my own shortcomings and life's own interesting timing of events, I have not been wholly respectful of what I know to be deeply important to me. I am very glad to say that since my recent twenty-ninth birthday, I have sincerely peered into myself, asked myself what I need to do to reach my goals, and shifted my circumstances to allow a serious commitment to my vision.
During the next few months of my campaign and album creation, I will be updating you on my progress, ideas, stories, and general silliness on all the social networks. I have plans to orchestrate a monthly meet up of food, beer, and possibly indoor paintball, all next door to my recording space. I will also be gifting instruments that I have fixed up and customized, and it is my plan to wrap up the recording process with a group choir recording session. where everyone available is welcome to participate. Details TBA through updates :)
FUNDING BREAKDOWN
Recording studio $675/month x 3mo = $2025
Instrument storage $175/month x 3mo = $525
Mixing = $1150
Mastering = $515
CD and Thumb drive duplication = $500
U-Haul upright piano and drums = $250/two-way
Daily transportation* to studio $120/month x 3mo = $360
Photographer, artwork and documenting = $390
Total = $5715
GoFundMe receives 5%. This added back in on top to equal goal is $6000
*30 miles/day to studio and back
10 days = 300 miles/$40 gas (my car's full tank/average gas price per refill)
90 days = 2700 miles/$360 gas
Although the breathing room afforded by four months of time would be ideal, my math reflects three months, helping keep my funding goal in a range that doesn't seem as insurmountable to both a prospective donator and myself.
INCENTIVES
*Please specify in the donation note if you are donating only, and do not require anything to be sent to you. Maybe you plan on buying the album later when it is out normally and you only want to support my initial push on GoFundMe. If you do not specify I will assume you would like the basic option, outlined in each category below.
WELL WISHES - get a real big thank you. So much of this kind of thing is riding on good vibes, a supportive note or happy thought sent my way does a lot for someone like me.
EVERYONE WHO DONATES - will be listed as a supporter, in alphabetical order, on the back or inside cover of my first batch of albums (depending on which cd case type I can afford). I will only be able to print so many physical copies, as album duplication quickly becomes cost prohibitive. This initial batch will be very limited, and someday considered a collectible. (*Please specify in the donation note if you would prefer to remain unnamed on the album, or select anonymous donation)
$15 - $30 - I will send you a digital download of my album the moment it is ready. I will have a download card/store set up by this time, giving you instant download access to my album through iTunes or Amazon or Google Play etc.
$30 - $50 - I will mail you a hand signed, physical version of my album once they have been delivered to me. Sometimes delivery takes an uncomfortably long time from my experience. You will also receive a digital download option if you would like it. (*Please specify in the donation note if you do not require the digital download.)
$50 - $100 - I will mail you a USB thumb drive containing my album, behind the scenes notes, photos, demos videos and whatever else I feel would be interesting to add, further allowing you into the details of my process. I will also include a signed personalized thank you card, and finally you will also receive a digital download option if you would like it. (*Please specify in the donation note if you do not require the digital download).
$100 - $500 - You will receive everything stated above. (*Please specify in the donation note if you would only like one, or any combination of the items stated above)
$500 OR ABOVE - You will receive everything stated above, and you can also choose a song from my YouTube channel or my album "Smallish 2012 - 2014 " to be re-recorded (or recorded officially for the first time) in the studio I am setting up for this album. (*Please specify in the donation note if you would only like one, or any combination of the items stated above)
SUMMING UP
Thank you for your time. If helping me on my journey sounds appealing to you, I am very grateful. If you are not in a place to help me right now, that is ok, and I am grateful that you read this far into my GoFundMe campaign. The number one best way you can help me is by sharing this campaign on Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and any other social network. Some of you have supported me since the very beginning. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This campaign is the biggest most important push for my career I have made to date, and I am both excited and scared of the possibilities and implications. I will leave this campaign open for two months and 8 days.
Love you guys.
Michael Philip Reed
