Making Music: Performances, Producing Songs, and You!
Making Music: Performances, Producing Songs, and You!
I’ve got a few things to tell you.
First: I’m playing some shows; list to follow.
Second: I’m recording an EP. I will be pressing CD’s (even though the songs will be available via streaming) and possibly some vinyl. That will give me something to send to those who help support the project.
It will be 5 songs in length. Those songs are detailed below.
Here is the important part, I’m going to be crowdsourcing the funding of the recording, packaging, and marketing of the songs.
I cover all of this below. First, the performances.
Scheduled performances:
Tomorrow, Saturday, March 18th, 5pm
Barclays, Northridge, CA
We’ll be livestreaming this on Facebook but if you happen to be in the area, come on out!
Friday, March 31st, 6pm
The Twist on Main, Ventura, CA
Saturday, April 8th, 7pm-11pm
House Concert in Las Vegas, NV
There are six of us performing. Tickets required.
Sunday, April 30th, 3-5pm
Leashless Brewing, Ventura, CA
Recording my Music and Crowdsourcing
I’m going to launch a Kickstarter campaign in the next week. I’d love for you to help me make my 5 song EP titled, Troubled Mind.
If you are unfamiliar with Kickstarter, it is a platform where artists or entrepreneurs fund their projects through their community. I’ll explain it more a bit later but let me explain my project and what I hope to do.
Troubled Mind: The EP
Emiko, a longtime friend, fellow artist, producer, and principal with Rose City Media has been asking to produce my song South to Mexico for awhile. After our most recent show together she suggested we work on a 5 song EP.
Emiko is lining up several talented musicians, a recording engineer, and mix engineer. She has two studios lined up. We toured one a week ago and will tour the next in about a week.
Troubled Mind Song List
1. Troubled Mind
The title track is a song about anguish over lost love and wondering if they ever had any true feelings.
I can play an angry man, I can shake my fist
Casting insults and aspersions shout, “I didn’t deserve this.”
But all I’m left to do is contemplate our time
Was it sweet? Was there passion? Was it true?
Baby, easy my troubled mind
Listen here
2. South to Mexico
I like to call it my second big hit. It is often requested when I perform. A song about disappearing rather than face the small town scrutiny and expectation of getting over her.
And I hear they treat heartache with tequila
And loneliness by dancing with those pretty senoritas
A dark cantina with no one I know
Soft desert wind, it warms my soul
I’m smuggling my heart South to Mexico
Listen here
3. Making Peace with the War (in my Soul)
The inner demons are hard to shake. Maybe it is time to make peace with them.
Mama told me son you are here for a reason
But, I’ve lost my way so many times
That destiny it feels like a dried up old river and
I’m like a prophet missing all of the signs
Listen Here
4. Clear the Air
Reflecting on a past relationship and finding contentment with how things are.
I’m not crying, those tears were spent many years ago
Yeah, I’m smiling. That’s the bitterness I’ve let go
Listen here
5. Serve Your Master
We’d like to believe we are in control of our fate.
Been caught up in a rat race, a bait with cheese
Learn my lines like an actor, begging pretty please
Strip away life’s tattered veil
Vice and Virtue, it’s all for sale
Listen here
We’re working on a budget and a video for the Kickstarter campaign.
About Asking for Help
The idea of asking people to support a music project is a little daunting. Okay, truth - it’s scary.
The reality is, if we want to focus on the music and create an amazing project - and amazing merchandise and offers for those who can support us, we are going to need this help.
And if you cannot help, that’s understandable. We know how many things pull at our attention, our time, and our money. My goal is NOT to be a burden.
I have supported a few Kickstarter campaigns and a few artists with modest monthly amounts on Patreon. I have to be budget conscience as well.
If you have a desire and the means, check out the Kickstarter campaign when it is released. See if the vision we create resonates with you.
And if you have any questions for me, just ask.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
With all love and sincerity,
Matthew Moran
Los Angeles, CA
Sounds like a worthwhile project. You can count on my support. I prefer the old means of money transfer, so text me your mailing address, and I will do my part to support your art :-). Keep following your dream!