“Were there any justice, CN Lester would feature in everyone’s music
collection. We are thankful for having discovered this stunningly
beautiful, beguiling collection of superbly written compositions.” – So So Gay
So - 2012 was all about my debut album, 'Ashes' - 2013 about developing and exploring the music behind 'Aether' - now it's time to get that bastard recorded and sent to you.
To listen to/download 'Ashes' head on over here
If you're reading this you probably already know a little (or too much) about me - but for anyone else, hi. I'm a London-based musician, writer, blogger and activist (particularly for queer and/or trans and feminist causes). Organising nights to promote trans artists and raise funds for trans charities, touring the university/alternative/Pride circuits, speaking and performing at political and academic conferences, performing free/low cost events, making my research available for free - I couldn't love this career more, but mainstream it isn't. Which is why I'm asking for your support now, to wit: if you give me your money I will give you my music. And my music should, if all goes to plan, give you happiness. Everyone wins.
The cunning plan
Jack Byrne (Ashes, Dark Angels) and I are locking ourselves into the recording studio for the first long, dark weekend of January. We will emerge victorious, hefting the rough recordings over our heads like mighty warriors of old. Jack works his magic and passes the finished product over to Rosie Wilby (writer, actor, radio presenter, PR goddess) to promote. We gather together on Friday, March 21st to party our arses off at the launch night. I head off round the country to perform and promote my wares, in a tour culminating at Tate Modern on April 6th for a Transpose takeover of the collection. We party our arses off for a second time, and then have a quiet few days drinking coffee and having a nice sit down.
The costs of which:
Album artwork by Robin Conway (see above, more to come): £500
Recording costs/Jack's fee: £1000
Promotional costs: £1000
CD manufacture (250 copies): £680
Postage and packaging: £300
Payment to
Raphael Fox for limited edition posters: £100
Raw materials from which to construct my perks: £150
Payment to
Lucky Tooth productions for one music video: £400
Digital rights/registration: £100 (approx)
All of which comes to the eye-watering amount of £4230 - which I'm rounding up to the also eye-watering amount of £4300 (Indiegogo costs will bring this down somewhat).
If we actually manage to go over that amount, any excess will be spent on making additional videos/artwork to support the album.
I have to admit, I'm a little scared to ask for so much - but I'm hoping that if you count up the countless free gigs, downloads, events and inadvertent twitter amusement I've provided over the past few years, you might just think it's worth it. I'm really excited about this album - I hope you are too.
Spread the word! And thank you x
