Your Support Will Make It Happen!
My name is Luke Michielsen. I’m excited to announce that my third solo album, Landlocked , will be officially released this October. I’m asking for your support to reach my funding goal so we can accomplish two things:
1. Press the album to vinyl.
2. Hire a publicist to push the album to as many new listeners as possible.
About Landlocked
I keep thinking back to the day I first listened to the finished album. I put on my headphones and took a walk around my neighbourhood. I could hear my inner thoughts in the music. I teared up from the wave of emotion that overcame me. I was thinking, “This is it. This album is me.”
The music on this record gives a voice to my struggles with anxiety, the constant pressure I feel to be productive and my desire to find a more balanced way of living. And it’s not just about me. This album is for you, too.
I think many of us feel the societal pressures to be productive, to not take rest, and to accomplish certain things in life, while longing for more ease, time to just be and connect with ourselves and nature. I hope this album gives voice to that and speaks to you as well. I can’t wait for you to hear it!
What You Get - About the Perks
I am offering some great perks in return for your support. Please check them out! When you click on a perk it will expand to show everything that is included.
Consider pre-ordering vinyl, CD and digital versions of the album. There are also several add-ons such as a Lyrics & Insights Booklet (PDF) in which I share my own insights about each song.
I highly recommend the “Core Supporter” perk which includes signed copies of both the vinyl and the CD, plus 9 bonus tracks of alternate acoustic versions, recorded outdoors in different locations along the Bruce Trail. Plus, your name in the thank-you section of the credits.
You can also hire me to play a concert or commission me to deliver a customized singing telegram to yourself or a loved-one.
If you would like to back this project but don't want any of the perks, just click the "BACK IT" button and enter the dollar amount you'd like to contribute.
The Budget
Here are the costs involved with making my album Landlocked:
production and mixing: $10,500
session musicians: $2000
mastering: $1000
vinyl manufacturing: $3300
CD manufacturing: $700
publicity: $2500
Total Expenses: $20,000
I am so grateful that this project has already been 50% funded by way of two grants:
Ontario Arts Council: $6,500
Region of Waterloo Arts Fund: $3,500
Total Grant Income: $10,000
Total Shortfall: $10,000
The Goal
My crowdfunding goal is $6500 based on the fact that we raised a similar amount for my last album. I will cover the remaining $3500 from my own pocket unless of course we can raise more than my goal. Let’s smash the goal!
Please note that if we don't reach the goal the album is still moving forward as planned and you will still get your perks. Indiegogo calls this "flexible funding".
The Impact
This funding will cover my costs to press vinyl copies of the new record to sell at shows and online. This alone will make the release financially viable. Without your support it will be near impossible to reach the "break-even" point on this project.
The impact of hiring a publicist means that my music will reach more radio programmers, online publications and concert promoters. I hear from many of my supporters who wonder why my music doesn't have a wider audience. Hiring a publicist is how we are going to reach a wider audience.
Most people stream music these days, including myself, but streaming doesn’t pay the artists well. Supporting this crowdfunding campaign means your money will actually reach the musicians who made this music. I am personally very grateful for your support.
Meet The Team
I am so grateful to the nine amazing people who created this record within a music industry devastated by the pandemic.
Josh Cwintal produced Landlocked and played on the record. Andy Magoffin engineered, mixed and added horn arrangements at his studio in Cambridge. Talented musicians Owen Cherry (drums), Jesse Maranger (electric guitar), Bensen Carter (bass) and Dan Gurman (pedal steel) put their beautiful sounds into the songs. Philip Shaw Bova mastered the album. Industry veteran Sherry Sinclaire is masterminding the publicity.
Risks & Challenges
Making this album wasn’t easy. It has been more than 2 years in the making, from writing grant applications back in 2019 to editing final mixes this spring. I have done all this on top of working regular jobs (as many artists do). The extra hours put in to make this album caused a lot of stress in my life, but it’s worth it because I have created something I am proud of.
The pandemic hitting in the middle of our recording sessions caused big delays as we figured out how to work remotely. I had to upgrade, and rent equipment to finish much of the recording at home. The team persevered!
Also as a result of the pandemic, live shows haven't been able to happen over the past 16 months greatly reducing the amount of income I usually earn from music. This campaign is a way to make up for the lost income I would have put towards the album.
Other Ways You Can Help
Please share this campaign with other folks you think might be interested in my music. Share it on your social media. Spread the word!
Also, please pre-save my singles and the album on your streaming apps to help my chances of getting my songs on playlists.
Thank you!
Since putting myself out there as an independent musician back in 2006, I have been so grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from so many people like you. Once again thanks!
