**Edit** Feel free to contact us with questions. But PLEASE READ through all the perks and perk details, as well as the FAQ section at the bottom of the story.
Here's The Real Deal
As we approach the turn of the year, we are approaching the 1 year mark of the inception of Project Vela. I (Scott) heard Travis' first demo of "Blame Me" on November 12th of 2016, and neither of us expected it to take the shape that it did.
From 2010-2013, Travis and I lived in the same area of Colorado, playing in our own respective local bands around the area. We played quite a few shows together, and became fast friends. We found that our musical tastes were going on a slightly different path from the bands for whom we played, and quickly realized that our musical tastes were traveling in a similar direction. In 2013 I moved back to Kansas, and Travis continued playing in Colorado.
Fast forward a few years, and Travis (guitar/programming) and I (drums, bass, vocals, programming) put out our first EP as Project Vela in June of 2017. We couldn't be happier to have the first 5 Project Vela songs out in the world. However, the process left a lot to be desired. Writing an EP with someone who lives 500 miles away has a myriad of challenges, especially when both parties are trying to work it in around full time jobs and home life. To add to the difficulty, Project Vela is a completely independent, DIY group. We wrote, produced, engineered, tracked, mixed, and mastered "Disconnected" on our own, and wish to continue in that fashion.
We are incredibly grateful for the support we've received so far, and we want to include all of you in the process of creating a new album. Just a little bit of money can go a long way in helping us make better songs and better recordings for our first full-length album.
What We Need & What You Get
**MAKE SURE YOU READ THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PERKS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN. MANY ITEMS ARE REPEATED THROUGH DIFFERENT PERKS, AND MANY PERKS AND ADD ON'S HAVE DIFFERENT SHIPPING COSTS AND ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIMES**
Here's the break down of what we need.
- We have a goal of $6,000 for this album. In terms of a full album production, this is INCREDIBLY cheap. But with your help, we can make it work. Here's where the money will go. The funds will help us take time off from our day jobs, and get together in the same place. We feel that in order to write the best songs we can, and to further the development of Project Vela, we need to dedicate time exclusively to the writing, production, recording, mixing, and mastering of this album. So here's a breakdown for where the money will go.
- $3,300 - Studio time, gear rental/maintenance, mixing, and mastering. This is pretty conservative for a full-length LP, but we will be our own producers and engineers to 1) retain complete creative control over our music, and 2) keep the budget at a reasonable level for a small band.
- $1,000 - Travel for Travis. The most cost effective and realistic way for Travis and I to write and record together is for Travis to drive out to Kansas over the course of a few long weekends. He will need to rent a car and gas it up all the way from Denver to Wichita and back.
- $800-$1,000 - Album artwork, CD duplication and distribution
- $700-$1,000 - Design and production to fill IndieGogo perks.
- We have some special perks for people who donate to our campaign. You can get the special edition of our EP "Disconnected", which will not be released publicly until early 2018. This has different versions of a few songs that you're already familiar with, but it also includes a brand new song (which you can hear in the campaign video). We have handwritten lyric sheets (only 1 for each song is available), we have shout outs (get your name in the special thanks section of our album artwork), we have shirts, tank tops, and hoodies, we have a screen printed poster with artwork exclusive to this campaign, and we even have the opportunity to come to Wichita, Kansas to record a guest spot of gang vocals!
- Not to worry though, even if we don't reach our goal, we will be sure to fill every single IndieGogo perk purchased. We will still make this album, regardless of the outcome of this campaign. However, it will most likely not be done by our goal of July, 2018. There is no substitute for the organic, synergistic writing process that occurs when you're in a room with someone who has the same goals as you, and without reaching this goal, who knows what kind of inspiration we will miss out on.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute monetarily, that's ok! You can still support us in our campaign.
- If there's anyone you know that might enjoy our music, tell them about Project Vela! The more people that know, the more successful this campaign will be.
- Use the sharing buttons near the top of the page (just underneath the progress bar) to share this campaign on social media! Help us reach all your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
- Thanks so much for the support!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are there so many options for an "add on"?
- While we did put together some packages for the perks, we separated many of our merch options. This allows you to customize whatever package you want, complete with as much or as little as you wish to buy.
- The full length album won't be complete until the summer of 2018. We have "Disconnected: Special Edition" CDs, clothing, and posters that are going to be available for shipping at various times between now and next summer. We wanted to give you the option to receive the merch as soon as it's available to send.
- You have the power to get certain pieces of merch sooner by merely paying separate shipping for each add on you purchase! How neat is that?
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When will my perks be delivered?
- Any perks that include a physical copy of the new album OR hand-written lyric sheets will be shipped upon the completion of the album (estimated July 2018).
- Any orders or individual add on's including clothing (shirts, tank tops, hoodies, etc...) will be manufactured and shipped upon completion of the campaign (estimated delivery February 2018).
- The add on for the physical CD of "Disconnected: Special Edition" will be shipped out 2-3 weeks after your order is placed.
- All orders including a digital download of "Disconnected: Special Edition" will have a download code emailed within 24 hours of placing the order.
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What if my shirt, hoodie, or tank top size is not listed?
- If you need to specify an option that is not available, complete your perk selection and purchase with the closest size to your need. Follow up by sending an email to projectvelamusic@gmail.com (please use the same email you used for the IndieGogo campiagn) BEFORE THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN and tell us about your needs. We are working with a very accommodating company, and will most likely be able to find a solution that works for you.
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How do I know the clothing will fit?
- Men's shirts and tank tops are made by Gildan, and you can find the size chart here. Hoodies are Fruit of the Loom, and you can find the size chart for "Men's active wear" here.
- Women's shirts and tank tops are made by anvil, and you can find the size chart here. Hoodies are Fruit of the Loom, and you can find the size chart for "Women's active wear tops" here.
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There are perks that say "a shirt or tank top of your choice". How do I choose what shirt or tank top I want?
- After the completion of the campaign, we will send out an email to anyone who selected a perk that offers a shirt or tank top "of your choice". If for some reason you do not hear from us after the campaign has ended, please reach out to us at projectvelamusic@gmail.com.
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Who is responsible for travel expenses if travel is required for an incentive I purchased?
- You are responsible for your own travel, and lodging if necessary.
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What shirt or tank top do I get?
- All designs for men's and women's shirts, tank tops, and hoodies are pictured with their name and number on the left hand side of the list of perks. Please make sure you select the perk that corresponds to the name on the shirt or tank top you want to order.
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Are there refunds or returns?
- IndieGogo's terms for refunds are listed here. We are happy to make sure you're happy with your selection, and will work to make sure you get what you need. However, due to the custom nature of making and filling all the perks, once we've shipped (or emailed) any perks, these cannot be returned or refunded.