Dawn? Tell us more...
Can you believe it?...our 6th CD! And once again, it'll be a full-length album! This time though it's not just a compilation of random songs that we've pulled together. This time the songs tell a story, a timeline, an album about experiences / challenges / successes that have led Betsy along her musical journey and the tremendous impact each experience had on her life. From the tragedy of losing her mother (Dawn) from cancer when Betsy was just 9 years old to the amazing person she is today.
Instead of releasing a full album all at once, we're releasing each single individually and then ultimately compiling them all on a single album when the 9th single is set to be released. Starting August 27th, we'll be releasing the first single "Forever" followed by another single every 4 - 5 weeks. Each song will guide you along this courageous and exciting journey of Betsy's.
The Reality of Producing an Album
As all of you undoubtedly know, creating music that can stream on platforms like iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and many other streaming sites, costs a tremendous amount of money. The costs associated with recording, editing, publishing, marketing, artwork, physical albums, merchandise, subscriptions, licenses, professional assistance, social media, and more, can cost tens of thousands of dollars. For the world's most well-known artists...even millions. We truly need your help to reach our goal of raising $30,000 for the creation of this album, and in return we want to share along the way.
We have created a number of 'perks' (listed to the right) that require a certain level of financial contribution, HOWEVER, will in return give you a gift, or many gifts, helping us to ultimately reach our financial goal. How will the $30,000 be spent?
- $16,000 - Recording, Editing, Mixing & Mastering
- $6500 - Merchandise
- $4000 - Videos and Multi-Media Needs
- $2500 - Promotional Efforts
- $550 - Various Licenses and Subscriptions
- $450 - Artwork and Photography
There are other miscellaneous expenses, but your generosity will help us cover the amounts listed above.
The Creative Team
While the following is a list of individuals directly involved with the creation of this album, there are SO many others (too many to list) that make this all possible. We can never fully express our gratitude with simple words. Those directly involved:
- Betsy Ade: Vocals, Ukulele, Songwriter, Lyricist, Co-Producer, Artwork, Story
- Joe Adamek: Guitars, Piano, Keyboards, Percussion, Songwriter, Producer, Artwork, Campaign Manager
- Cameron Fair: Cello, Piano, Keyboards, Songwriter, Arrangement
- John Kulas: Bass Guitar, Arrangement
- Scott Fox: Percussion, Arrangement
- Victor Cera: Tour Manager, Campaign Co-Manager
- Chantel Godlewski: Merchandise Manager
- Nick Radovanovic (Nick Rad Audio LLC): Song Mixing & Editing
- Steven Servi (Nick Rad Audio LLC): Song Editing
- Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering): Song Mastering
Other Ways to Help
We understand that some of our fans simply can't afford to contribute, but that doesn't mean you can't help! Here's ways to help us get this story out to others:
- Make noise about this campaign! Share the link! (Use the Indiegogo share tools!)
- Get the word out on this album! As our singles are released, point others to the songs!
- Tell music magazines/websites/blogs/other relevant avenues about this project.
- Post info about this project on social media!
- Email your friends and family around the world (this system works the best)
- Tell your friends directly (old school style.... offline).
A Few Challenges
Since we're releasing each single individually, one after the other, the final singles (9th and 10th songs and the full album), won't come out until April 8, 2022. This means that while financial contributions will be needed now, some of the gifts may not come until 2nd quarter of 2022. Other gifts, like the digital download of each single, will be delivered ahead of each single release.
Also, please know that regardless of the amount that the fundraising campaign will generate, we are fully committed to using all the amount raised for this album. If we exceed our target goal, we'll be armed with additional funds to do more with things like promotion, video, and social media. If we don't reach the funding goal, we will still get the album out, but we would have to adjust the amount of money spent on various elements.
With any question regarding the music, the rewards or any other issue - do not hesitate to contact us! Email us at info@wellknownstrangers.com.
Thank You!
Each and every one of us involved in BAWKS (Betsy, Joe, John, Cameron, Scott, Vic, and Chantel) thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We love you all beyond words!
- BAWKS