The Rue Is Need Of A Little Help...

Many people have asked when I'm going to make the first full length Rue record. It took me years just to put out The Courageous E.P. due to a bit of a perfectionist attitude I took. The idea of putting out a full length record is very daunting because of my nature to make everything ideal, but I'm going to break that habit by the time this record comes out. And I need your help! 

 I plan to start recording right after the first of the new year (2010). I am going to live by the spirit of the RPM '10 Challenge next year which forces me to write an entire album in just 28 days! Crazy?! Yes, I know. In order for me to be able to produce and promote the best disc possible as soon as possible in 2010, there are a number of things that would help make this record that much better:

• Independent Mixer - I'll record a majority of the tracks at my studio but once it's finished, I'd like someone else to mix the record and lend their professional ear to make these tracks sparkle.
   
• Mastering - No record is done until it's mastered properly. The Courageous E.P. was mixed at Alloy Sound but ended up getting mastered at Courageous Studios. I'd like to send the disc to Dave Cooley at Elysian Masters in California.
   
• Studio Time - Because I'd like to get some sparkle from much higher-end equipment, I'd like to take my songs to other studios to record instruments and vocals as appropriate.  Something about having a nice large room to record that killer guitar solo or that beefy drum track does wonders for a song.  Also, when all I have to do is worry about being an artist is in play, the performances are much better. 
   
• Disc Creation, Publicity, and Support - Once the tracks are recorded, discs have be to press up to sell via both online and physical stores.  To get people to purchase the discs, they need to know about them.  And to dovetail that effort, I have to hit the road and play in front of poeple to make it a reality.

Since I have chosen to remain an independent artist, I'm turning to you for assistance.  The target goal to raise is $7,500.  By offering contributions and/or pre-ordering copies of my upcoming CD, you will have a direct hand in bringing the new record to life. No contribution is too small (or too large)!

Donation Levels

• $1 to $10 - Guitar Strings Level: A free digital download of the album when it's released.
   
• $11 to $25 - Drum Head Level:  A free digital download of the album and an advance copy of the CD.
   
• $26 to $50 - Pawn Shop Special Level: All of the above and a "Thank You" liner credit on the CD.
   
• $51 to $100 - Stompbox Level: All of the above plus a T-shirt saying "Keeping Independents Alive - Courageous Rue".
   
• $101 to $200 - Good Gear Level: All of the above plus a mention on a personal "Thank You" track.
   
• $201 to $250 - Indie Studio Level: All of the above plus a DVD containing audio stem tracks of the first 3 songs on the CD to allow you to remix the songs as you wish.
   
• $251 to $500 - Semi-Pro Studio Level: All of the above plus DVDs containing audio stem tracks of all of the songs on the CD.
   
• $501 to $1,000 - Pro Studio Level: All of the above plus DVDs containing individual multi-tracks of all of the songs on the CD.
   
• $1,001 to $2499 - Junior Producer Level: All of the above and mentioned as a junior producer of the album.
   
• $2,500 and above - Executive Producer Level: All of the above and mentioned as an executive producer of the album!

I'm making The RueTape 2009 available for free to assist in piquing your interest in funding the next formal effort.  Here are a few other reasons for doing so:

• It forces me to let go of a lot of great tracks I have buried on my hard drive; I now have to create new music and can't rest on my laurels.
   
• I'd like you to consider what I've been able to accomplish thus far and see if that will influence your donation decision making :)  In some cases, it might hurt the amount I may receive but my hope is that you like it enough to believe in it and want to become more of a part of the next disc.
   
• In order to record a whole disc in 28 days, I need to get used to the idea that I can write songs from scratch quickly and with quality.  I basically used the RueTape as a way of practicing this process.

Irrespective of whether or not you donate, I'm reaching out four your support, both karmic and otherwise, as it goes a long way and my appreciation runs deep.

If you choose to pre-order/contribute and would like to do so online, please click on the payment button above. If you would like to send a check, please contact me at suicidal_productions@yahoo.com and I'll give you an address to send it to.  If you have any questions, check out the FAQ.

I look forward to hearing from some of you soon. This means more to me than you’ll ever know.

Peace and love and music,
Nelson