Hello!
My name is Ryan Amador. I'm a singer, songwriter, theatre-maker and music video artist based in Los Angeles, and THIS FALL I am going on a RECORDING TOUR THROUGH THE U.S. to record my 3rd full-length album in 12 different cities and video-document the journey along the way.
12 SONGS. 12 VIDEOS. 12 STUDIOS. 12 DIFFERENT CITIES.
This is an album I've been writing since the election last November, and I can't wait any longer to bring it to life and share it with listeners around the world. BUT I NEED YOUR HELP. Every donation goes a long way towards paying each artist and studio we encounter.
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Why A Recording Tour?
I want this album to SOUND LIKE AMERICAN CITIES. I want it to have textures, colors, & sounds that I couldn’t plan for, and the best way to do that is to encounter people and aspects of our cities that are different than what I already know.
My two favorite albums are "INNERVISIONS" by Stevie Wonder & "THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL". Both of these albums transport the listener to the hustle & bustle of the American city through sonic landscapes created by top-caliber instrumentalists. I want to hire LOCAL INSTRUMENTALISTS to help express the sounds of their cities. We'll record all the instruments and background vocals on tour, then return to Los Angeles to record lead vocals and mix/master the album back at home.
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What Is The Album Like?
After the election, I thought a lot about my role as an artist and the platforms I'm offered by doing what I do. I spent time with my communities in New York, Chicago, LA, & Seattle, and THIS ALBUM IS MY BEST ATTEMPT TO RESPOND to what I've been hearing at meetings, rallies, and within personal conversations I've been having.
I've always been inspired by artists who deal with what’s going on POLITICALLY through the lens of how it affects them PERSONALLY, so as a queer white American male, I've set out to do the same.
My best known songs, "Define Me", "Instead", & "Spectrum", have done this in the past, but I'm pretty sure this new album is my best work yet.
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What Are The 12 Videos?
Each song will be made into a MUSIC VIDEO, an 8-10 minute video of our one-day in each city, with a live performances of the song we are record that day. Think of it like a short, low budget version of HBO’s “Sonic Highways”.
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12 FOR 12: What We Need
To record an album costs a lot more money than you'd ever imagine. We have to pay studios, engineers, & instrumentalists in every city, then pay for mixing, mastering, and CD manufacturing once we're back in Los Angeles. My dear friend will be joining me on the road to film the videos, so I'd like to feed her too.
With gas, housing, & food allotted, we are only asking for $12,000 to make this thing go. Think of it like 12 FOR 12: 12 SONGS & VIDEOS FOR $12,000.
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The Perks
We have a whole lot of awesome perks in return for your donation. The coolest ones (in my opinion) are...
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For $25: You get a downloadable DIGITAL BUNDLE of my self-titled album and two EP's, AND a download of the new album once it's out!
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For $1200: You get all of the perks PLUS a PRIVATE CONCERT in your own home (U.S. & select Australia residents only)
And if you feel you can't donate at this time, then any leads on studios, personnel, or a place to sleep is another great way to contribute to the project. We'll take anything we can get.
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Impact & Risks
Like I said, every dollar goes a long way. As an independent artist with no label and no manager, I am really only in this to make good work to share. My ability to produce said work relies directly on the money I raise here, and every little contribution would be a huge part of that.
Hey, I know this album may not be an easy feat. My friend and I may end up stranded on the side of the road in Ohio, or asleep in a bar in Montana. But my goal as an artist is to reflect experience, whether my own or that of others, so I know no matter what, it will have been worth it.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD & THANK YOU FOR VISITING!
For more of my work, visit one of the following links:
