Roland's Awesome Recording Studio
My Story:
After being abandoned as a baby and left on a dump-pile, not many people would have gotten a second chance. An elderly woman discovered me by pure coincidence, pulled me from the community dump-pile, and decided to raise me as her own.
Even in the day to day chaos of growing up in a poverty-stricken and abusive household, and standing on the edge of a violent civil war in Liberia, from the age of six I was able to lift myself up with music. While people sat, hopelessly waiting on nothing, I crafted makeshift instruments out of spare junk and started playing and singing to others. While bullets were flying and buildings were being blasted around us in the streets of Monrovia, I would hold on to my 3-stringed village guitar, close my eyes, and envision something better.
I have come a long way since then. After graduating as valedictorian of my class in Liberia, I was given the chance to come to America, where I earned a degree in Liberal Arts at Gardner-Webb University, and have used my past experiences to become an inspirational speaker. Music has been an irreplaceable part of my life, and the ability to produce it has gotten myself and others around me through trying times.
Just as I did back in Liberia, I wish to use my skills as a musician, the dozens of songs I’ve composed over fifteen years, along with the help of my amazing band, to spread the love, joy and happiness that I have received from creating melodies and songs. Roland & The Roots Riddim is group of talented musicians, all lovers of Reggae, whose musical chemistry has something truly special to offer the world. After three years of performing together, we have established ourselves on the Austin music scene as an entertaining, skillful, danceable, and authentic roots reggae band, with the potential to grow regionally and nationally.
This is where I need your help.
What I am Asking For
Recording and producing music is an expensive process, with studio time often racking up thousands of dollars a year. I am currently sourcing funds to set up a recording studio for the minimal amount of $6,878.00. I have gone over the expenses list multiple times, and this includes the cost of studio monitors, production software, cables, microphones, acoustic treatments for the space and so on. The studio will be set up in my home, so there will be no rent or other external fees, and my band members will also be able to work while spending time with their family.
Rewards and Other Ways You Can Help
To those who donate, thank you so much for your support. Every dollar counts, and even if you cannot donate at this time, you can still show your support by liking and sharing this campaign. I have set up a reward tier below with a few items to show my appreciation, and hope that you will accept these tokens of gratitude.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Many blessings to you!
Sincerely,
Roland Kemokai
