Short Summary
The genesis of the Get Me Audio trilogy began last year during the Summer Olympics. I was visiting my mother in Pittsburgh and we were watching the Games along with millions all over the world. Caught up in the excitement of the Fab 5 or the swim team. I was particularly intrigued by that precise, wonderful moment when an athlete emerges from the water at the end of a meet or when she perfectly lands on her feet and they know that they've nailed it! Even before the scores are announced.
I witnessed this expression over and over and found myself constantly saying to myself, They're living in dreams. Soon after, a melody became attached to this phrase--almost out of thin air. One of those magical moments when an artist doesn't have to apply any effort for an idea. It just arrives! Before I knew it, I had a chorus that basically wrote itself. The chorus gave birth to a song that was about the thrill of not only having dreams, but having the courage to pursue them.
Watching the Olympics was a wake up call for me. Although I had published severals books and released a previous CD, I was faltering in creating a follow-up album. In late 2010, British electronica act Gorillaz released an album created an iPad. I was inspired! It wasn't until March 2012 when I purchased the newly released 3rd version and excitedly planned to commence work on my album. But I didn't.
By the time the Olympics was airing, I was quite disappointed with myself for still not making even a tiny dent into my album. The reason: I'd never created music with GarageBand or any of the other music creation apps I would come to use. I was completely intimidated! I'd read all the how-to manuals and watched all the YouTube tutorials and logged in plenty of time asking for advice from iPad music makers on message boards. But all of this knowledge couldn't produce an album. Even after the inspiration of the Olympics, it still wasn't until September that I sat down in my soon-to-be favorite coffeehouse with my iPad, my notebook and a mug of honey-flavored green tea that I took tentative steps towards teaching myself how to make music on an iPad.
Admittedly, their was definitely a learning curve the first few weeks, but once I got the hang of things, it wasn't long before the songs flowed. From September '12 to now, I've composed over 20 songs--which was the impetus to release three separate volumes of Get Me Audio.
As with my debut album (How To Be An Adult), all three volumes will be produced by super producer Ben Rice at Degraw Sound studio in Brooklyn. www.degrawsound.com
At this time, I'm specifically requesting money for the first volume of Get Me Audio. The thread between the albums is that they are generally upbeat and inspiring, both musically and lyrically. I wanted to create the feeling I get when I listen to Michael Jackson's Off the Wall or Madonna's debut. My intention was to craft music that would make people feel good or feel better.
What I Need & What You Get
I was fortunate to be chosen by the new Myspace as one of their featured artists this May!!! A two minute video will be posted on their website discussing my career and aspirations. The reason why I've decided to utilize Indiegogo is because I want to have Get Me Audio #1 released in time for the Myspace posting since I mentioned the new album during the interview.
I've already recorded the basic music on my iPad, recorded my lead and backing vocals and additional instrumentation by a keyboardist. All recording is done. All that is left is mixing, mastering and promotion.
For non-music tech types, mixing an album is akin to lining up all the ingredients for a cake on a counter, but never putting them in a bowl, a pan or in the oven. A well-mixed album is the perfect, final blend of vocals and instruments. The final step, mastering, is the last polish and gives you the crisp sound we're accustomed to hearing on the radio or when we buy a CD (for those who still buy them). Mixing is estimated at $1200. Mastering will be $300.
Additionally, I will use my funding to purchase digital download cards since I'm releasing the Get Me Audio #1 as an exclusive digital-only release that will be available on iTunes, Amazon music, CD Baby and more. In lieu of physical CDs, download cards will allow me to sell the album hand to hand at performances or to give away as a promotional item. Download cards will cost $400 for 1000.
Funding is also needed to pay my graphic designer to design the trilogy album covers plus the download cards. The cost is estimated at $600. It's cheaper and more efficient for the designer to design all three covers at the same time instead of three separate occasions.
PERKS
In return for the generosity of your your pledge, there are many cool perks. A free download upon release of Get Me Audio #1, an exclusive digital booklet, handwritten lyrics and more. Check out the boxes on your right!
The Impact
I feel like the Get Me Audio trilogy couldn't have been made at any other time in my life. During the making of these albums there have been personal challenges that I was able push through because of the inspiring lyrics and music I worked on everyday since September. It is my wish that it will help others to feel good or feel better.
Other Ways You Can Help
I understand that everyone can't help financially but there are other ways to lend a hand. Indiegogo makes it easy to spread the word through social media. Just by posting the campaign on your Facebook page or sending a tweet to your followers will help create awareness which is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance to everyone!!!
Live your dreams!!!
-boice