We're recording songs about humanity, science and civilization. 

You can listen to snippets of some of the confirmed songs here (click the song title to listen)

[listen] Brighter Than Today – Our flagship song, telling the story of the discovery of fire and the beginning of human history.

[listen] Bitter Wind Lullaby  – A lullaby sung to a small child, by a parent who doesn't yet understand why the world has grown cold nor what to do about it.

[listen] Here and Now – The world around us is exciting, and still flush with mysteries to unravel. A celebration of the present day.

[listen] Stardust – From the big bang to the origin of life on Earth, a song about the connection we all share.

[listen] Endless Lights – For centuries, we looked up at the sky and wondered if there was anyone out there. We still don't know. But if the future unfolds just right, perhaps one day the human story will spread to the stars.

[listen] Uplift – A song of human progress, from flint and steel to the space age.

• • •

For eight years, the Secular Solstice has taken root around the world. Across the US, in the UK, Germany, Australia and elsewhere, people have gathered to reflect upon the darkest season, and sing songs about humanity's past and future. The holiday has been featured in the Washington Post,  New York Times and Huffington Post.

Now, it's time for a professional album that helps people across the world to learn beautiful music, as well as stories and speeches that give that music context.

I'd like your help funding music about science, civilization, and how our ancestors overcame winter.

What We Need

So far, we've recorded 12 songs on a budget of $8,000 (paying for studio time and professional musicians). In addition to recovering those startup costs, I'm hoping we can raise enough money to record more songs, as well as additional vocal parts for the existing songs.

$12,000 would cover the main other songs I'm looking to record. In general the more money we raise the more studio time we can get and the more polished the album can be.

Recording vocals for Uplift 

Building Culture

Once upon a time there was darkness, and so we created light.
Once upon a time there was cold, and so we created shelter and heat.
Once upon a time there was hunger, and so we developed agriculture.
Once upon a time there was disease, and so we developed medicine.
Once upon a time there was suffering, and so we helped, as best we could.

There is still hunger and sickness and suffering. Our work is not yet done. But we have come far, and tonight, we gather to celebrate the story of humanity.

• • •

A deep, rich culture doesn't just come out of nowhere – it depends on artists and writers creating beautiful works, festival organizers who rally their communities, and individual families creating all the small, personal moments that make up the human story.

I'm grateful to people who have blazed a trail for a culture of science and rationality, every bit as profound as the stories of religion.

From Carl Sagan's words, to the music of Andrew Eigel, Leslie Fish and Cat Faber... let alone all the concrete advances in science and philosophy that have helped us to understand our world. We stand upon the shoulders of giants, both intellectually and culturally. 

I'm hoping for this album to be one more stepping stone towards a scientific culture. I'm hoping for people to not only listen and be inspired, but to sing together, and to build upon it.

I'm hoping for your support to help this work grow, whether you can donate money or help spread the word or just take part in a growing holiday.

Perks and Rewards

There are a few 

• Digital Download – For $10, you'll receive a download of the album after I've wrapped up the finishing touches, probably in early spring.
• Song Charts and Commentary – If you donate $15 or more, you'll also receive a PDF with song charts with instrument chords (so you can play along with guitar/piano etc).
• Early Access – For $20, you can get the rough cut of the album right away, and the PDF as soon as it's available. You'll also get periodic updates as I complete new versions of songs, and the opportunity to offer feedback. 
• Bonus and Instrumental Tracks – Alternately, for $20 you can some bonus tracks – some fun and sillier songs, as well as instrumental versions of the songs so that you can use it to sing karaoke-style. (Downloadable in early spring of 2019)
• All The Things! – For $35 or more, you can receive all the above things as soon as I finish them up. 

Risks & Challenges

At this point, risk is quite low – I've already recorded most of the songs, so what's at stake is just exactly how much polish we can put into it.