The Tour
Ever since we first started recording, but especially after we put out the album Left a couple of years ago, fans have been asking us, on our Facebook page, on Twitter, via email: “When are you guys going to play live?” Trust us, we have been itching to play this music live and feel that immediate feedback from the audience, but we have all been busy working on other stuff – projects with other artists, teaching, writing, television — and the right time hasn’t come around.
Until now.
Back in November of 2017, we began working on our new album, which will be released sometime in 2019. (Yes, yes it is, people have been asking about that, too!) As always, we’ve put our hearts and souls into it and think it is our best yet. We’re proud of all our babies, of course, but this one feels really special. Also, it seems like our best shot yet at going out on the road. We are planning on getting to the U.S., Canada, Japan and cities in Europe, with specific destinations still TBD. We want to make sure we do it up right, including bringing along a horn section to complement the core band, and make sure that every night is up to the standard we set for Monkey House in the studio.
Why Do We Need Your Help? – Why Crowdfunding?
It probably won’t surprise you to know that today’s music industry simply doesn’t allow for the kind of constant touring that was possible when the money was flowing freely. Back in the day, there were staffers at record companies just for organizing/prepping tours, but that day is done unless you’re one of the dozen or so remaining megastars. The problem is, all that legwork is still necessary if you want the tour to be right. That takes time, and money. So, we’re looking for you to help. The venues have to be booked (and they want down payments), the sound equipment needs to be booked in advance if you want it to be up to specs, the best sound techs are in demand and need to know their schedule, you get better travel arrangements the earlier you book… You get the idea.
With contributions (of any size) coupled with other sources of private and public funding we’re looking into, the tour, and the Monkey House concert in your city or region can be one you’ll always remember. In every aspect of the presentation, this will be nothing short of world-class.
How You Can Contribute
All contributors to this IndieGoGo campaign receive perks. They go from a copy of the new album, to a special thanks in the album liner notes, to an invitation to a private listening party. And, as they say on the TV commercials, that’s not all! See the perks section on the right side of this page for the various bundles available. After you select your perk, you can pay by credit card or PayPal. You can contribute as many times as you like and choose as many items as you like.
You can also tell anyone you know about the campaign (or everyone!). This is not only a funding campaign; it is also going to play a role in helping us figure out which venues to book in which regions.
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There are many expenses associated with a large-scale tour such as this. Naturally, a large portion of these are related to artist travel, per diems, and accommodations, as well as transportation of equipment from location to location. Another major expense is artist salaries and fees, due to the size of the band. Bringing a full-size band will ensure that the tour is completely true to Monkey House’s vision and sound. We are also considering hiring local sidemen in each territory of the tour, to minimize salary, travel, and accommodations expenses, and create a vital local connection.
All about Monkey House
Monkey House is the acclaimed brainchild of Emmy-winning singer/songwriter/arranger Don Breithaupt. Don came up with idea of a studio band in the late ’90s and they are now completing their fifth album.
The core of the band is Don on piano and assorted keyboards, Mark Kelso on drums and percussion, Pat Kilbride on bass and Justin Abedin on guitars. Their sound is pop-oriented, with the guys incorporating and layering jazz improvisational techniques into the mix. Every one of them is a highly accomplished, in-demand musician. They have played on albums and tours and other projects with artists like Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, The Brecker Brothers, Michael Bublé, Bonnie Raitt, Ron Sexsmith, and, again as they say on the TV – many many more!!
In addition to the core group, Monkey House invites some of the world’s best session artists to contribute — people like Elliot Randall, Kim Mitchell, The Manhattan Transfer, Drew Zingg, Michael Leonhart, and Jay Graydon. Horns and other instruments are also a big part of the sound. On the album ‘Left’ they used the Prague Symphony Orchestra to play on “The Art Of Starting Over,” and the latest release sports a five-piece horn section. Their best known and loved songs include 2012’s “Faith in the Middle” (feat. Michael Leonhart) and “Where’s Mantis Evar?” (feat. Drew Zingg), and 2016’s “It’s Already Dark In New York” and “When the Kid Comes Home.”
