Rascal Flatts - What Hurts the Most (Cover by Devin Shelton)
We Made It: Thanks for Everything!
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (Cover by Devin Shelton)
Foo Fighter - Everlong (Cover by Devin Shelton)
Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight (Cover by Devin Shelton)
Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine (Cover by Devin Shelton)
Summary
- Demos are done - ready to start pre-production with Matt Carter (Emery) & Chad Gardner (King's Kaleidoscope) in Seattle.
- Recording will start this Spring 2016, album out this summer.
- Music style: Devinish, smooth indie rock + R&B.
- Devin will be working on new Emery music as well.
My name is Devin Shelton, and I was in the band Emery for ten years. It was one of the most memorable times of my life, but in 2011, my wife and I decided we wanted to start a family, and I felt that it was time for me to move on to a new chapter. For the first couple of years, I was able to write music, play some acoustic shows, and put out an independent album on my own, but then everything started to slow down. Fast-forward to 2015...
Over the last year, I have felt this renewed desire to create music again. With a full time job and two small children, it's hard to find time for much else these days. But it's a feeling that I just can't shake. Writing songs has been a part of me for well over a decade, and it's something I just can't leave behind. Not only has this been important to me in becoming who I am, but I believe it has had a tremendous impact on the fans of Emery throughout the years. I wouldn't be where I am without all of you supporting us as a band, and I know now that I can't truly move forward in my musical endeavors without your continued support. I'm not talking merely financial here, though that definitely plays a part. I am talking about the encouragement that has always been characteristic of our fans for as long as I can remember.
Over and over again, I have heard people say how our music has changed their lives. I remember one person who said he was driving down the road and thinking about how he was going to kill himself. Our song came on in his car and he decided to turn around and go home. I don't know how that happened, but it makes me believe that music matters, and it makes me believe that making music is a good thing. I've heard endless stories of songs alleviating depression, suicidal thoughts, broken hearts, bitterness, self-loathing, lost faith, and so much more, from people of all walks of life.
You are the stories that drive me. You are the lives that are affected by this music and these lyrics written over the years. I don't want to forget that. I CAN'T forget. That's why I'm doing this, because you've changed me. Music will always be an outlet for me to express who I am, what I believe, and how I see the world, and I hope you will always be the ones to take it and make it your own.
What We Need & What You Get
The budget for this album is $15,000. I will be recording the majority of this album in my own home. I have spent close to $3,000 on a new computer, interface, microphones, keyboard, and other essentials in order to make this a quality project. I will be working with a couple of different producers (Matt from Emery and Chad Gardner from Kings Kaleidoscope). There will be additional costs for travel expenses, mixing, mastering, distribution, mass production, and other miscellaneous costs. Here's a breakdown of the budget we need to crowdfund in order to create this album:
| Production Costs |
| Producer/Engineer |
$6,000 |
| Studio Rent |
$1,500 |
| Mixing |
$4,000 |
| Mastering |
$1,000 |
| Artwork |
$1,500 |
| Artist Flights |
$1,000 |
| TOTAL |
$15,000 |
Your Impact
The impact your contribution will have is huge. This will allow me to take some extra time off from my job to work on recording the album, and get additional childcare on those days for my kids. Without that, it will be nearly impossible for me to get this done in a reasonable amount of time.
Risks & Challenges
Time will be my number one obstacle in this process. I love being home with my family after work, and spending time with my wife and kids. But I promise I will do everything I can to get this album done in a timely fashion. I will utilize as much of my free time as possible, because making this record means that much to me.
Other Ways You Can Help
I understand that not every one of you can support my campaign financially. But there are definitely other very helpful ways that you can show your support. Please help me spread the word. If my own or Emery's music has affected you in some way in the past, then I urge you to share this with your friends. You can share in several different ways by using the Indiegogo share tools. Thank you for your continued support!
