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Musketeer Gripweed - More Than Ever

Help us finish our latest album, "More Than Ever", and create 2 more!

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Musketeer Gripweed - More Than Ever

Musketeer Gripweed - More Than Ever

Musketeer Gripweed - More Than Ever

Musketeer Gripweed - More Than Ever

Musketeer Gripweed - More Than Ever

Help us finish our latest album, "More Than Ever", and create 2 more!

Help us finish our latest album, "More Than Ever", and create 2 more!

Help us finish our latest album, "More Than Ever", and create 2 more!

Help us finish our latest album, "More Than Ever", and create 2 more!

Lance Ruby
Lance Ruby
Lance Ruby
Lance Ruby
1 Campaign |
Fort Collins, United States
$18,746 USD 259 backers
93% of $20,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

Musketeer Gripweed, a critically acclaimed Colorado blues-fusion band of 15 years, has toured the U.S. extensively, and shared the stage with major acts such as The Revivalists, JJ Grey & Mofro, Los Lobos, Trampled by Turtles, Greensky Bluegrass, Aquarium Rescue Unit and many more.  

This is the first time we have asked our community of family and friends for financial support.

We have always taken a lot of pride in working hard as a band, playing the gigs, and funding our albums ourselves.  That's just not possible right now.

In 2020, we're reaching out to you for help through this campaign to record some of our best work yet.

 

 

More Than Ever

 

In late 2019, we started pre-production of the songs to be released on the new album, More Than Ever, with the goal to hit the studio in February 2020.   In March, everything changed.

Due to the pandemic, our studio sessions were delayed several times and our plans to fund the album ourselves were halted.   Without shows, we thought this project was dead in the water.

Finally, in June 2020, we were able to use personal funds to finish the basic tracking of this new CD at The Blasting Room Studios in our hometown of Fort Collins, CO.  We hired some of the best in the business, Grammy-nominated producer, Andrew Berlin (Gregory Alan Issacov, Rise Against), and in-house engineer Chris Beeble.

Stretching every dollar we could pull together, we were able to create something we love. But, there is so much more to do and we can't finish it without some outside help.

We need to pay for mastering, promotions, merchandise, music videos, pressing CDs/Vinyl, and so much more.

In order to complete More Than Ever , we are looking to our fans and community for the support to get this album done right.  

Without a doubt, we love how this album sounds already.  It's truly incredible.  Varying styles & tempos, insightful lyrics, and amazing production work. It is some of the finest music we've recorded to date. 

And, we want to get this into the hands of radio stations and promoters who can continue to help us grow as a band, and return to the big stages we love once that is safe to do so.  All of this takes significant financial resources to make it happen.

However, we also wanted to do things a little different than other album crowdfunding campaigns...

 

 

So Much More Music

 

Over the last several years, we have written material for at least three albums, including the tracks you will hear on More Than Ever.   

So, our goal for this campaign is really pretty simple: We only want to fundraise once.  We want to finish More Than Ever AND record 2 more albums.

Fundraising is new to us, but we are setting our sights high to be able to look forward to the next couple years, the limited options for touring, and the insane amount of music we are writing.  With your help, we can unleash all of this new music to our fans.  Your support will take us to a whole new level of our careers and continue to push us for another 15 years!

 

 

Thank You...Thank You...Thank You

 

We can't say thank you enough to those who can support us to continue to do what we love and create music for you all.  From the way More Than Ever sounds already, we will not disappoint!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those that have supported us on this wild 15 year journey and those who continue to do so.   None of this would be possible without your generosity and energy.

With love, more than ever...

Musketeer Gripweed
Jason, Matt, Stu, Lance, and Ben

 

 

What We Need

 

Here is the specific breakdown of what we need to raise through this campaign and how we will use it:

 

 

What Does More Than Ever mean to you?

 

More Than Ever started out as a love song. As we recorded and listened back to the tune, we knew as a band it would become the name of the album. The term itself took on a life of its own and became a concept we've turned around and asked the community. 

In addition to creating music we are passionate about, we want to encourage our community to recognize their own passions during these difficult times. 

We gave this challenge to our community and asked them to make their own More Than Ever videos, answering the question, "What is your 'more than ever'?"  The responses have been amazing.

 

 

Who the f*@& is Musketeer Gripweed anyway?

 

The band began from humble beginnings in 2005 when Ben and Jason were neighbors in Fort Collins, Colorado and started casually playing some music together.  Soon after, Gripweed was formed.  Jason's roots in the blues and Ben's wide musical background created an instant bond that led to deep songwriting sessions and their first album release, "Peace Will Win".

The name 'Musketeer Gripweed' was taken from a John Lennon reference, specifically his character's name when he acted in the movie "How I Won the War".  And, legend has it that he would use that 'Musketeer Gripweed' pseudonym as an alias when checking into hotels.  The name was strange, but it stuck with fans and friends alike.

 

 

Fast forward to 2008 and Matt Goldberg joined them on keys, bringing a whole new dimension to the music.  Matt brought many layers of sounds to the songwriting with piano, organ, and synths sounds layered over top of the blues.  The music turned towards a more blues-funk sound than ever before.

 

 

In 2010, the band recorded their next album, "Dyin Day" at Backbone Studios in Loveland, CO.  During these sessions, the band met the incredible Sheryl Renee and her companions in the Black Swan Singers group, which has continued to this day as an amazing friendship and musical bond.   

The album received critical praise not only for the songs, but Jason's lyrical growth touching on subjects of social justice and a need for change.

 

 

In summer 2010, Gripweed needed a sub on drums for some upcoming shows.  Matt and Stu Crair had been playing already together in another project, Dead Floyd, at the time.  Stu sat down at the drum throne with the guys for his first show with the band at NewWestFest and has never looked back, taking over full-time soon after.  Stu's driving beats and deep roots in funk and jazz became infused with the music, and the songwriting began to go a whole new direction.

 

 

Around this time, the band's popularity began to explode across Colorado and beyond.  Working with new management, Gripweed toured extensively across the U.S., opening for major acts and playing the festival circuit.

 

 

Over the next few years, the band continued to grow musically with two more full length releases, "Straight Razor Revival" and "Floods and Fires".  "Floods and Fires" was the most intense work the band had done to date, travelling to Los Angeles to work with producer Justin Andres.  Songs like "End of the Day" and "9 LB Hammer" are sill on regular rotation on Colorado radio stations.

Listen to "Floods & Fires" on Spotify

 

Packing the house regularly, the band started to find a balance between playing shows on the road and staying home as families grew.   There was always an intense focus on 'family first' with Gripweed, and making sure the band members were able to keep the music alive but their homes lives intact.

 

 

After the departure of longtime guitarist Ehren Crumpler in 2018, Lance Ruby joined the band on guitar.  Bringing a whole new level of musicianship to the band, Lance had an accomplished background with a Masters in Jazz from UNC, but an even more varied resume of performing  with everything from funk to country bands. 

With Lance on board, the band began stretching their writing capabilities and the songs gained an edgier rock sound like never before.  The musical growth of a 15 year life span as a band in the new songs is obvious to the Gripweed fan base.

 

 

Today, you can continue to hear that Gripweed's music is evolving as much as ever. The way in which each member continues to push each other to be better as individual musicians and collectively as a group has led us to the new album, More Than Ever

For those that have been with us for this entire ride, we know that you will love what you hear. 

For anyone new to Gripweed, we think this is our best work yet and we are so excited to share it with you.

While shows have mostly halted for 2020, we know that we will back to a busy gigging schedule once allowed and continuing  another 15 years of music for you.  Thank you all for your continued support of the band, and our passion to constantly bring you new music.  We could not do this without you.

 

 

 

Other Ways You Can Help

 

If you've read this far but you aren't in a position to contribute financially to this campaign, you can still help us out! Share this IndieGoGo with your friends and family and help us spread the word about More Than Ever and the upcoming two albums to come.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusketeerGripweed

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msktrgripweed/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmlT9QF1nVGZGbfVLz7W0xQ

 

Campaign Photo/Video Credits: Backstage Flash, Jim Mimna, Phil Broste, Nicholas Stock/Fat Guerilla Productions

 

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Choose your Perk

Pre-order Album Download

Pre-order Album Download

$10 USD
Your support means the world to us. With no option to tour, we need your support to be able to finish the current album, “More Than Ever”. A ten dollar pledge is the financial equivalent of over 2600 streams, but instead goes directly to the band. AND, you will receive an advanced digital copy of this album BEFORE everyone else! WE LOVE YOU!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
Estimated Shipping
November 2020
44 claimed
Physical CD & Download

Physical CD & Download

$25 USD
If you still want to have the physical CD along with the digital, we got you covered!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Physical CD - "More Than Ever"
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
34 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Trucker Hat & Download

Trucker Hat & Download

$25 USD
Grab a trucker hat and a download!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • MG Trucker Hat
Estimated Shipping
January 2021
1 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Digital Preorder next 3 albums

Digital Preorder next 3 albums

$30 USD
Over the last couple years, we have written so much material. “More Than Ever” is just the beginning...We plan to use the support here to also propel our next two albums. That’s right, we have enough to record two more albums and plan to do it all here in Fort Collins. Pre-order "More Than Ever" and help us continue to record new music!
Included Items
  • Digital Download (3)
Estimated Shipping
November 2020
11 claimed
Digital Download & T-Shirt

Digital Download & T-Shirt

$35 USD
As you bounce along to tunes from “More Then Ever”, you can also sport the finest Gripweed fashion. Grab a super-soft t-shirt and be the coolest kid on the block. Our t-shirts will be designed by a pro graphic designer soon and you will have multiple options and sizes to choose from. Men's and Ladies shirts will be available.
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Gripweed T-shirt
Estimated Shipping
November 2020
36 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Gripweed Panties

Gripweed Panties

$40 USD
For all the ladies...(and men!) grab your new favorite pair of undies and rep Gripweed when it matters most. Nice. And, the new album taboot!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Gripweed Panties
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
2 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Gripweed Hoodie

Gripweed Hoodie

$50 USD
Grab a lightweight hoodie and some Gripweed music! To be designed by a pro designer, this will be the talk of the town, and you can SNUGGLE in it all night! GRIPWEED INDIEGOGO EXCLUSIVE MERCH, NO ONE can buy this at a show, ONLY available by supporting us NOW!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Hoodie
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
31 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Couple Merch Package for 2

Couple Merch Package for 2

$50 USD
LOVE is in the air! You and your partner can rock out in style! Grab a deluxe package for 2 (2 shirts, 2 koozies, 2 stickers, 2 pre-order downloads). Mens and Ladies sizes available. The band will SIGN any and ALL merch if you would like!
Included Items
  • Digital Download (2)
  • Gripweed T-shirt (2)
  • Sticker and Drink Koozie (2)
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
9 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Pre-order Vinyl

Pre-order Vinyl

$50 USD
For all you audiophiles out there, with enough pre-orders, we will do a short run of vinyl for "More Than Ever". Grab yours before anyone else, and the entire band will sign your record iffin you want!
Included Items
  • Vinyl
Estimated Shipping
March 2021
18 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Original Art by Julie Downing

Original Art by Julie Downing

$75 USD
Decorate your abode with one of long time Musketeer Gripweed artist, Julie Downing's amazing original artwork. Julie has has done numerous limited prints for the band over the years. Each print is signed and numbered on water color/ high quality paper! A VERY limited number of prints will be available! An album download as well!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Original Art by Julie Downing
Estimated Shipping
March 2021
5 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Full Merch Package for 1

Full Merch Package for 1

$95 USD
Show off the Gripweed merch from head to toe, and EVERYTHING in between! OR, gift your crew with the fanciest duds in town! You WILL be stylin' if you get this SWEET package!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Gripweed T-shirt
  • Signed CD
  • MG Trucker Hat
  • Gripweed Panties
  • Sticker and Drink Koozie
  • Hoodie
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
11 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Guitar Lesson

Guitar Lesson

$100 USD
Here’s your chance for a 1-hour online guitar lesson to learn what Lance is really doing up there. He’s an incredible teacher and a master shredder! He might even introduce you to his dog Richard, and you get a few FREE Musketeer Gripweed guitar picks!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Signed CD
  • Online Guitar Lesson w/ Lance
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
2 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Photoshop Design Lesson

Photoshop Design Lesson

$100 USD
Stu teaches design and would show you how to get your designs off the ground too! Learn how to master the ins and outs of Photoshop basics, plus some time-saving tricks for your next band poster or design.
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Signed CD
  • Photoshop lesson with Stu
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
3 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Harp/Vocal Lesson with J

Harp/Vocal Lesson with J

$100 USD
Secure a 2-hour Harp lesson OR Vocal lesson with our own Jason Downing. Learn how to make the harp howl like a true blues man, or learn to cut loose with your voice. Plus a digital download!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Signed CD
  • Harp Lesson
Estimated Shipping
March 2021
0 claimed
Ships to United States of America
90 Min Acupuncture Session

90 Min Acupuncture Session

$150 USD
90 minute Initial Patient Visit at Bloom Acupuncture & Integrative Health for holistic, individualized care using acupuncture and fire cupping therapy. Plus a download and signed CD of "More Than Ever". Generously provided by Chloe Goldberg, GB's wife! Only a few available!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Signed CD
  • 90 Min Acupuncture Session
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
0 out of 10 of claimed
Private Family Camping

Private Family Camping

$250 USD
When the weather permits, do you want to have an amazing staycation in Northern Colorado? How about your own, PRIVATE 4-acre farm to enjoy with organic eggs for breakfast? Go camping under the stars for one family (up to 4 people) @ Ravensdale farm with a fire pit, bathroom, and no neighbors! LOTS of room! Frisbee golf course as well! YASSSS!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Signed CD
  • Private Family Camping
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
1 claimed
Dinner & Beers w/the Band (4)

Dinner & Beers w/the Band (4)

$500 USD
When we’re on stage, we can’t have a conversation with our fans...so come hang out with us safely (socially distanced). We will cook a healthy dinner of your choice (or order Thai food!) for up to 4 ppl total, provide unlimited beers from New Belgium Brewing, 4 more cases to go, and listen to the album with you. We can talk music all night long!
Included Items
  • Digital Download (4)
  • Signed CD (4)
  • Dinner with the Band
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
1 claimed
Happy Birthday Video

Happy Birthday Video

$500 USD
What says you love someone than having your favorite band sing them a very personal “Happy Birthday!”. We will throw in a personal message and try and keep it PG.
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Gripweed T-shirt
  • Signed CD
  • Custom Happy Birthday video
  • Sticker and Drink Koozie
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
1 claimed
Ships to United States of America
Jam with the Band

Jam with the Band

$750 USD
Bring your instrument and come jam with us for a 2-hour practice. For one person, socially distanced in our practice space, we will have some fun and play your favorite Gripweed tunes and more.
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Gripweed T-shirt
  • Signed CD
  • Jam with the band
  • Sticker and Drink Koozie
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
0 claimed
Private Show

Private Show

$1,500 USD
On Jason’s 4-acre farm, we will throw a private show for you and 50 of your best friends! Everyone will be able to remain socially distanced while we play a private 90 minute show for you. PARTY TIME, and you can help write the setlist!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Gripweed T-shirt
  • Signed CD
  • MG Trucker Hat
  • Gripweed Panties
  • Private Show
  • Sticker and Drink Koozie
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
2 claimed
Private Acoustic Show

Private Acoustic Show

$1,500 USD
If you have enough space to host us, we will setup an intimate acoustic set in your backyard. Must be able to be socially distanced and safe. You can also write the set list if you want to, and we'll help make some memories together! If your place is too small, pick someone's place that is big enough! Let us bring the beer and music to YOU!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Gripweed T-shirt
  • Signed CD
  • MG Trucker Hat
  • Gripweed Panties
  • Private Acoustic Show
  • Sticker and Drink Koozie
Estimated Shipping
December 2020
0 claimed
Write YOU a Song

Write YOU a Song

$5,000 USD
If you really want to be a part of the music, let us write a song about you or for you (or for a loved one, OR even YOUR EX!)! We will learn your story and create something original that you will always keep, and who knows, it might be better than therapy and even make it on the NEXT ALBUM!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Gripweed T-shirt
  • Signed CD
  • MG Trucker Hat
  • Gripweed Panties
  • Song written for you
  • Sticker and Drink Koozie
  • Hoodie
Estimated Shipping
June 2021
0 claimed
Ships to United States of America
The BIG One!

The BIG One!

$8,000 USD
If you want to show your support like NO ONE else, here is your chance. “More Than Ever” producer credits plus a full merch package! YOU rock our worlds, for as long as we ROCK YOURS!
Included Items
  • Digital Download
  • Gripweed T-shirt
  • Signed CD
  • MG Trucker Hat
  • Gripweed Panties
  • Dinner with the Band
  • Executive Producer Credit
  • Lifetime VIP Guest List
  • Sticker and Drink Koozie
  • Hoodie
Estimated Shipping
June 2021
0 claimed
Ships to United States of America

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