I have been making music all my life. I have also struggled with the old-boy network of the music business for much of that time, leaving and coming back to the marketing of my music often. Years ago I wrote myself off as too old to be taken seriously, and became an organic farmer. Songs never stopped coming into my head however, aided by the rhythm of the work: the hoe hitting the ground, the counting of the fruits of the labor as it is boxed for delivery, the animals-wild and domesticated-singing in their languages. The steady hoofbeats of my horse as I rode the prairie. I couldn't stop the songs.

I think I had come to accept that people (especially women) my age are expected to fold inward. To find something age appropriate to do. But a couple years ago I was invited to tour with Johnette Napolitano, as a solo performer, something I had never done. (I have a new-ish deal with myself these days: feel fear, push past it.) As we traveled about the country and I got comfortable playing alone, I realized it is not only performers who are in a later part of their timeline who are ignored by the industry of music- it is the audiences, too. But I was seeing "mature" audiences coming out, appreciating and supporting music. I believe we add value as we grow and collect experiences. We paint with broader strokes. We have things to say that are vital and true. We create, we dance, we are sexy, we are wiser and we are relevant. The songs I was playing seemed to resonate with the audiences I played for. As I interacted with these audiences I honored the mirror they are for me. They encouraged me to move forward with purpose. I am making a new record. I am touring through your town. I am in love with making music again.

I heard (herd) you need a pack to spread the word. So I have come to you to ask. I need you to sign up. To be on this team. To celebrate people outside of the music machine's crosshairs. To believe and prove that we are vibrant and inspiring and love to love to be moved by the arts, no matter where we are on our timelines. 

Chip in, pick a perk or two. Make a video of yourself with a "sign up' sign and post it on the FB page (https://www.facebook.com/sargent2222)! Or, send a pic of you on a tractor! Let's rock this, my friends. 

Many thanks in advance,

Laurie

Here are some of the gifts I offer you for joining the team:

The New CD! (working title: Still the Sky)(no pic available yet...), plus these dandy perks:

New Perk!! An 8"x6" original (LS) photo printed on wood.

Funds raised will pay for the following expenses:

• Studio time
• Studio engineer/staff
• Musicians
• Producer
• Travel expenses for recording
• Mixing
• Mastering
• Manufacturing
• Promotional materials
• National record release promotion

When the time comes to tour more expenses will likely accrue- I will stay in touch to keep you updated! 

Thanks again,

Laurie

The cold, windy weather was not our biggest hurdle when making our campaign video...