Summer Russell: Albums/Donate

I'm raising money to record my first full-length studio album, which I am planning to record this summer at Allegro Sound Lab in Burleson, TX.  Due to the generosity of my wonderful friends and family, I've raised $2,100 since November 2009.

I would love to be able to put $5,000 toward this project. In addition to studio costs, this would provide me with a budget for a number of other associated costs, including:

1. CD pressing and packaging; CD and digital distribution (making mp3s available for download on sites like iTunes, Rhapsody, etc.)
2. Promotion and merchandise (graphic design, website hosting, t-shirts, stickers and more)
3. "Bells and whistles" on the album - better production, more complex song arrangements, and maybe the ability to hire a studio musician or two.

A number of people have been asking me when my CD is coming out, for years--and the answer has always been "as soon as I can afford it." I spent a lot of time thinking "as soon as I have quality tracks to put out there, as soon as I have a CD to sell, then I'll start promoting myself" - and I think I've finally realized that I'm doing it backwards. So I'm putting my lo-fi home recordings on the internet, putting my music out there in its rawest form, and hoping that a few people will decide that it's something worth investing in. Other artists have proven it's possible, and I'm willing to give it a try.

How you can help: The virtual guitar case is open for business. I am accepting contributions through PayPal using the buttons provided. In return you get the satisfaction of knowing that you're helping a struggling musician beat the odds--and that when it works out, you'll be able to hold that shiny new CD in your hands and say that you made it happen.

DONOR REWARDS PROGRAM

In addition to that warm fuzzy feeling, I'm offering a few goods and services to encourage your generosity. Please read the following in your best PBS telethon announcer voice.

TIER 1 - $5 donation:
You will receive a free mp3 of any available song in my catalog (full list with samples coming soon.) These are home recordings made with the equipment I have on hand--most of the recordings I've put online will give you an example of sound quality. If you have a favorite song that I haven't recorded yet, just let me know which one you want. Maybe someday they'll be "rare unreleased tracks" from my early years.

TIER 2 - $10 donation:
You will receive TWO free mp3s of your choice, plus a free 1" pinback button printed with my Celtic feather logo.

TIER 3 - $25 donation:
You will receive everything in tier 2, plus a free summerrussell.com bumper sticker.

TIER 4 - $50 donation:
You will receive everything in tiers 2-3, plus a free, signed CD copy of "Nothing Ventured", a week in advance of its general release.*  You will also have your name published on a "donors" page at www.summerrussell.com. You may include a link of your choice to be published on the site (content restrictions may apply).

TIER 5 - $75 donation:
You will receive everything in tiers 2-4, plus an organic cotton t-shirt printed with my "bird in flight" logo.

TIER 6 - $100 donation:
You will receive everything in tiers 1-4, plus an acknowledgment in the liner notes of "Nothing Ventured." In addition, your donation will entitle you to a CUSTOM ORIGINAL SONG written and recorded by me - you name it, I'll write it - makes a great gift! Alternately, you can request a recording of the cover song of your choice. That's legal, right? I'm sure that's legal.

TIER 7 - $100 and up:
I will love you forever. Oh and you get all that other stuff too.

TIER 8 - Wealthy benefactor decides to finance my entire musical career:
...well, anything's possible.

* I am currently raising money to produce "Nothing Ventured," as you may have noticed. Your donation will get you on the list to receive this fabulous album as soon as its production is completed. You have my word of honor as a lady that a CD will be forthcoming. The more donations I get, the sooner this will happen.

Please be aware that $5 is not a set minimum donation. Even if you can only give 25 cents, you'll be helping me realize this goal. And even if you can't give anything at all, you're helping me--as so many of you already have--just by taking the time to listen and be supportive. And if you have any other creative fundraising ideas, or any ideas at all, well, I'm all ears.

Thank you. :)