So I’ve jumped in and started asking my friends and family (as well as other random strangers!) for money to help me complete my recording project. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this, and I’m really excited about how it should work.
On my first trip down to Nashville, myself, Ben Reynolds and Jason Germain (the guys who are producing this project) got the chance to sit down and chat with Mark Heimermann. Mr. Heimermann is a legend in the “christian” music world – he’s worked with tons of the big names, but more than that he’s just an awesome, down to earth guy. We talked about the good and the bad of the industry, the purpose of making worship music and where things could go in the future. We ended up talking a bunch about the idea of commissioning art and how that ties into the church – a group of people gathering and asking those who are gifted to make something which would speak in beautiful ways to that community as well as those outside of it. An artist who has been commissioned feels a certain sense of freedom – they get to do what they need to do without worrying about trying to market themselves and make a living. We all agreed that that’s one of the difficult things about the music industry currently, and especially the worship industry. Artist have to worry not only about making great music that helps the church, but also about getting radio play, touring, sellling merch, etc. Sometimes those things are moving towards the same goal, sometimes they’re not.
I feel like crowdfunding like this project (or any other project on Kickstarter, Rockethub, or any of the other sites) is a step in that direction. I haven’t been approached by the community formally and asked to create something, but I do feel called to do this and have come to that after many conversations with many people in my community. This allows me to invite you in – I actually love the accountability of it all. I’m more inspired to do this right – to write, sing and play better so that my friends and family and community that are supporting me can be proud and feel like this is good art that serves a purpose ultimately bigger than all of us. It’s exciting, and also terrifying. I’m asking people I know and people I don’t to trust me – to give me money for a project that they ultimately are going to have to trust me on.
That being said, thank you. Today was the first day and I’ve raised $450 from three wonderful people/families. Many will give, but these first ones are very special and appreciated – it’s been a huge encouragement of what I’m doing and that this hard work is well worth it in at the end of a day and few weeks that have just been CRAZY at home. It’s been great, we have a wonderful new addition to our family, everyone is currently healthy or getting there, but it’s been a fun journey. Today two different kids puked on me, and you know what, it’s okay. I feel like I’m where God wants me to be and he’s building my character and my gifts through all kinds of great and difficult things.
So thank you. If you’re reading this, you’re a part of my community, whether you contribute to this project or not. Thanks for sticking with me and encouraging me and helping me to become a better person. It means the world to me.
If you haven’t checked out my campaign yet, the link is here. If you feel so inclined, I’d love for you to partner with me financially and help to spread the word. Thanks! (I’ll see if I can get it embedded here somewhere at some point too so you can keep an eye on things!)
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