trouble with the label

After we released AAPA, sales were down, so the label asked us to aim for Christian radio and co-write songs with songwriters. We were hesitant, but we cooperated on a few songs that were a bit out of our comfort zone. When we got the mixes back, we were shocked to find the producer had replaced all of the instruments, leaving my voice track (Jeremy here) layered over top of what sounded like a synthetic pop instrumental. The song Chariot had hardly any of the band on it and we could see the label was no longer interested in the creativity of the band, just pop songs with my voice on them. Needless to say, we weren't happy.

back to independence

We kept touring, kept connecting with our fans on the road, and a few months before the label put out "Turn It To Gold," (an EP of disconnected ideas), we asked to leave the label. By the summer of 2013 we'd put out the 3 song indie release A Midwest Summer, feeling much more like Abandon Kansas again. Some bigger life stuff came along after that and kept our hands tied for the past year or so, with 3 members getting married, and our drummer losing his dad and taking over the family business. The lineup had to evolve, but all this change makes for plenty to write about. Cooperating with BC Music keeps our independence intact because we'll own our music and the creative direction of the record is up to us, but now we have a team to help it all come together and delivered to more fans, so that's a real exciting situation for the band. 

this project

We're in the studio in Nashville right now, with producers Dustin Burnett and J. Hall, making a long overdue third full-length record. It's turning out to be the most melancholy and dark rock-project we've done yet. 

Lyrically speaking, I'm feeling relieved to be able to be myself again on this album, so that's the place we're starting with each song, building the arrangements around core elements of the lyric. When we started pre-production, I told the producers I wanted to make something from my gut. I had 12 song ideas I brought into the studio, and we basically threw them all out. The producers said those ideas didn't hold up my end of the deal. I agreed. I'm not trying to make a dark record, I am just trying to make something real, and the reality is that I'm in a dark place in my life. I'm struggling with defeat and depression and anxiety and some identity and addiction issues. The goal with this record is to live in that brooding tension, instead of trying to offer answers, neatly gift wrapped in each song. 

I'm just going to let it hurt for awhile. 

The recipe is sonically different this time around but the philosophy is retrospective. We're heading back to our roots in the creative process, leaning on what comes from the gut first before thinking too much. That's what made Abandon Kansas burst out of nowhere, Kansas, in the first place. This is a return to the authenticity of our first album. 

what we need & what you get

I'll be honest. I'm nervous about the idea of crowd-funding. It makes me uncomfortable, but most of that is a pride thing. I've always wanted to put my head down and get it done myself. But the truth is, I can't. I can't do these songs justice alone. I can't make this album without your support.

If you think about it, making an album is as big of a financial commitment as buying a new car. But this "car" is for everyone to drive, so I'm trying to look at this project as all of us pitching in on something we can enjoy together. I love this band, it's been my baby for 8 years, and I want the best for AK, but in search of the best, the costs can add up.

If we were going to do a crowd-fund at all, I knew I wanted to make it feel like Abandon Kansas, and the perfect way to do that is with the type of packages we offer.  We've added a lot of ways to get involved in the project beyond just getting the music, like your name immortalized in the album art, your selfie in a lyric video, all the way up to exclusive experiences, Brad's unique art, and custom songwriting.  The biggest thing that makes this an AK project is including tickets to a living room show at the lower levels of support. This will be the 6th year doing the house tour and I'm thrilled at the idea of being able to hand the new record to our core fans first, right there in the living rooms, before it comes out in stores. 

LOOKING FOR LIVING ROOM TOUR HOSTS IN THESE CITIES (and between):

*before buying a "Host Package," email thelivingroomtour@hotmail.com to confirm date & location

This album is the beginning of something completely new for Abandon Kansas, a new chapter with new band members and a new team at BC Music (BadChristian.com). It's been an unforgettable journey far, I'm honored people would invest in the future of this new album. I've never seen AK as solely mine, and I've always understood the important role a team plays in making something great. There are some encouraging new faces on board now, who  support and believe in this record and what AK has to say. The only thing missing? The best fans in the world! If we can get your support, this is going to be awesome!