Peace!
I am an artist, entrepreneur and father that goes by the MC moniker of Zion I. I have been independently creating albums for the last 16 years in the underground Hip Hop and indie scenes. Early on in my career, I found it easier to be signed to a label. But, as I grew with my art, it became apparent that an indie label was the way to go, and so I started Mind Over Matter Records, as a way to continue releasing music with full freedom and creative control.
I am starting with Indiegogo as a way to fund my new album “The Labyrinth”. This is my first crowdsourcing campaign, and I am excited about the ability to connect more intimately with listeners who have been with me since the beginning of my musical journey. In the past, I have depended on label or distributor advances to fund my projects. Yet, this time around, my distributor would not advance me enough capital to actually get the album off the ground. I felt stressed about the idea of coming straight out of my pocket for the investment with no safety net. As you can imagine a campaign to create, manufacture, market and promote an album can skyrocket quickly. Then, I began having conversations with my friends who had done crowd funded projects successfully, and the clouds started to part in my mind. This was not a hurdle but actually a blessing in disguise.
By coming directly to you, those who truly feel the music, I would be strengthening my bond with those who allowed me to achieve my success in the first place. Times have definitely changed in the space of Hip Hop, but I will not stop my mission to bring you feel good music that takes into account our spiritual and emotional well being as listeners. Thank you for support over all these years, and for helping me to live my dream!
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Those who support will help me to mix and master this album, using the incredible talents of Jason Moss (who has worked on every Zion I album by the way). It will also create merchandise: tees, hats, jackets, vinyl, and cd’s.
One of my main goals is to really bring you great video content to match the music. Your support will allow me to tap the innovative film talent that lurks in the Bay Area, and present my sonic ideas on a higher level visually. Finally, you will enable me to hire my trusted publicist (Ballin PR), my radio promoter (Co-Sign) and make sure that this album has a chance to cut across the wide expanse of white noise that constantly radiates from the music industry.
Even if I don’t reach my full goal, any support that you give me will still go towards these goals!
The Labyrinth is my vision of the healing energy that music in general, and Hip Hop specifically can have in the world. I know that most people don’t think of our culture that way, but I do.
Creating this album helped me to deal with the loss of my father late last year. Without the ability to write out my feelings and channel them, I’m not sure where I would be right now. This music can truly transform lives for the better. I am the perfect example of it.
In addition to losing my father, my partner in the group Amp Live also left last year. Many of you old school listeners will recall your first time seeing us on stage. However, things change and people grow, and I had to evolve into being able to handle the whole weight when he decided to move on. It hasn’t been easy. But, I have discovered a stronger force and presence within myself from being challenged to carry on by myself. I have always written my lyrics, nothing will change in that way. However, for production, I had to scour thru countless producers and zip files to connect with the handful of young talent that you will hear on the record. I am very proud of what these producers were able to do for the sound of the Labyrinth.
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I’ve been running my own label since Zion I’s 2nd album “Deep Water Slang” which dropped in 2003. Since then, it’s been imperative to me to control and operate my own company so that the music is delivered in a genuine and sincere way. With so many changes in technology, the sustainability of a career in music has changed dramatically. Records do not sell like they once did, because of streaming practices. Everyone has to tour extensively these days in order to make a living. This is difficult for me now, for as a father of three, I crave to be home with my young ones, guiding their lives with loving intent. This is honestly the hardest part about being an artist, leaving my family. It is my hope that I can find a balance with this crowdsourcing format so that I can continue to give you my heart, blood, sweat and tears thru my music.
Thank you for taking the time to even consider getting involved. This is a very personal moment for me, and I would ask that even if you can’t participate monetarily that you spread the good word if you have ever felt a Zion I track before.