Introduction
My name is Jeremy Joyce and I am a songwriter, guitarist, and full time working musician in New Orleans. I have been playing music for 25 years and writing songs for about 13. I've lived in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Saint Louis and performed in each of these cities. I've also toured the country several times, sometimes as a solo musician, sometimes as a lead guitarist.
Every place I've lived and each place I've visited has influenced me musically. I'd played Punk, Metal, Country, Americana, and Rock. Out of all the places that I've lived it's New Orleans that has had the most profound impact musically, and it is here that I transitioned to a full time working musician.
At 16, in high school, I bought my first guitar with money I made working the late shift at a gas station. I didn't know what the notes were but I taught myself to play. Years later in New Orleans I would study the music of the city, learning Traditional Jazz, Blues, and Funk.
I had written a lot of songs before arriving in New Orleans, but something happened once I began to learn the city's music. The styles that I was studying became a part of my music.
Performing live I used the opportunity to try out the music I was writing. I found that I could play the songs I was writing for complete strangers and that they enjoyed them. If I played a song and no one seemed to like it, then I went back to the drawing board and re-examined that song.
It's a unique experience to try out a new song on an audience of strangers. For example one song "Come Back To New Orleans (to celebrate the Mardi Gras)" became a closing song for every gig that I played at BB King's during my residency there.
I am confident the in the quality of the songs because I been testing them night after night.
The Project
We will record an album of all original material. I will be working with Grammy Nominated engineer and producer Mike Harvey. We've worked together on several projects including a Christmas Song and an EP of Jazz Ballads.
NOLA Recording Studios & Mike Harvey
Below is a selection of projects that Mike has worked on. His recent projects include : Shamarr Allen, Jonathan Long, South Jones, Wild Magnolias, and Hot 8 Brass Band.
We will record a lot of songs that I play with my rock band, but it's totally possible that as we are going through material, some of my jazz tunes may make an appearance. No matter what we end up doing this is going to be an entirely New Orleans album.
Why Contribute?
By contributing to my campaign funders will help me move my career forward and also contribute to the overall musical culture of New Orleans. With a new album I can work harder on marketing myself and book more work. I will be looking for bigger and better opportunities. Having an album that reflects the sound I have been creating is key for that.
What We Need & What You Get
Here's the nitty gritty!
Our Costs
I am setting a fairly low budget of $5,000. The breakdown is as follows.
- Recording Costs - $3,000
- CD Manufacturing Costs- $1,000
- Promotion - $1,000
If we make above the goal, additional money will be put toward promotion.
I believe that we can make an excellent recording in a shorter time on a lower budget because we will be using great musicians, many of whom already know the material. Mike and I also have a successful track record of working together at his studio.
The main promotion focus will be digital in order to keep promotions costs low.
What I Deliver
Not only will we be producing Physical CDs, but there are tons of great other perks you can get such as Posters, Shirts, Stickers, Lyric Sheets, Custom Songs, and a House Concert!
Budget Concerns
If we don't make the full amount the following items are at risk Promotion, Physical CDs, and Recording Quality. As this if my first crowdfunded recording project I am taking a risk. No matter the amount we raise I will still make the record but may have to find creative ways to fund the key components. The release could also be delayed.
The Impact
The main impact of this project is to release great songs into the world. And by doing so I will also be moving my career forward. I currently work fulltime as a performing musician but don't have a physical album that represents my current sound. With this album I will be able to share the music with new fans and increase my income and share the music
Radio Success
Many of my songs have been played on American and International radio. "I'm Easy" regularly receives Satellite AirPlay. "Why Don't We Get Together on Christmas Eve" was played by all the New Orleans local radio stations. Recently "The Weight of the World" was played in Cape Town, South Africa. This kind of success tells me that the songs are strong. I believe that this new batch of songs will have similar radio success.
If You're in New Orleans
If you're in New Orleans, come out and see me play! I play regularly at clubs on Frenchmen Street with my band including at The Apple Barrel, Bamboula's, and 30x90.
Risks & Challenges
The biggest risk to the success of this project is funding, but I am personally committed to ensuring this project's success. As a self-starter and and independent musician I encounter challenges every day. It is my job to come up with the solutions. If we don't reach our funding goal it's possible the project could be delayed, but it will not be cancelled under any circumstances.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute, that's ok! Please tell your friends about the project and don't forget to use the IndieGoGo Sharing Tools to help spread the word.