Album 2 "What Doesn't Kill You" Release Fundraiser

Introduction:

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out our "2nd Album Release Costs" fundraiser. Your support means the world to us, and we're excited to share the incredible journey we've been on with you.

For those of you that haven't heard of us before, you can check out our previous releases and find out more about us as a band via this link: https://linktr.ee/marisaandthemoths

First and foremost, we want to express our gratitude to all those who bought the early pre-order. Your orders kickstarted our recording process, and we want to assure you that your orders are still valid and will be fulfilled. Your belief in us and our music has been instrumental in getting us this far.

However, as we dive deeper into the album's production, there are many additional costs that often go unnoticed by our fans. We want to bring this album to as many people as possible, and that means investing in music videos, promotional photography, graphic design, replication/merchandise costs, PR and marketing efforts, print and digital ads, touring expenses, and so much more. The reality is that these expenses add up, and we need your support to overcome this final hurdle and deliver our magnum opus to the world.

As the sole financial contributor to the band, I've poured my heart and soul into covering the necessary expenses to bring this album to life. I've worked tirelessly alongside my incredible partner, Peter, who selflessly contributed his expertise as a producer and mixer without any financial compensation. Together, we've managed to keep our recording costs within reach by carefully managing studio fees, hiring engineers, and arranging travel and accommodation. We've strived to uphold a major-label standard throughout the process because we believe in delivering nothing but the best to our fans.

While I'm doing everything I can to make ends meet and fund this project, the truth is that it would take years to gather all the necessary resources on my own. I don't want to make you wait that long, but I also don't want to compromise on the quality and impact of this album. To put it in perspective, the funds we need are comparable to a deposit for a 3-bedroom house in London. It's a significant financial commitment, and we humbly ask for your support to make this dream a reality.

Exciting things are happening within our band. We've secured our first major support tour, sharing the stage with Elvana in incredible venues all across the UK, with more shows and tours to come. We have just secured our first booking agent, Heliocentric Entertainment, who are currently working hard behind the scenes to make stuff happen for us in 2024.

We have also been working with our good friends at Sound Merchants, based in LA, California, who are helping to establish connections for sync opportunities and touring opportunities in the US.

We also have a musical collaboration in the works with a renowned artist, and there's much more happening behind the scenes as we gear up for the thrilling 2024 festival season. 

The future looks bright, but we need your help to overcome this final financial hurdle and propel us toward success.

Time is of the essence, and we genuinely need your support to make it over this last bump. Your contribution will make a lasting impact on our journey, and we're incredibly grateful for your generosity and belief in our music.

Please also remember that no donation is too small. To put it into perspective, if each of our Facebook followers donated just £1, we would nearly triple the funds we need to make this project a reality. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a significant difference, and we are incredibly grateful for whatever you can donate. Your support fuels our passion and keeps our dreams alive. Thank you for standing by us and believing in our music.

We sincerely hope you'll join us on this "What Doesn't Kill You" journey.

Thank you once again for taking the time to read our message and for being an essential part of our musical family. If you're interested in diving deeper into the album's themes, writing process, and plans for the release, please continue reading. Your support means everything to us, and we can't wait to share this remarkable experience with you.

Album Creation Story:

Three years ago, as the world grappled with the onset of lockdown, I embarked on a deeply personal journey. It was the beginning of writing our second album, "What Doesn't Kill You," a project born out of the ashes of an abusive relationship that had finally come to an end.

This album became my autobiography, a cathartic release of the emotions and experiences I had endured. The songs on the album were meticulously arranged to reflect the non-linear process of grief, mirroring the ebb and flow of my mental health as I navigated the aftermath of abuse. It was a tumultuous path to healing, intertwined with my own emergence as a female rock artist.

In a world rife with sexism in the music industry and the objectification of women, I found myself grappling with toxic societal expectations and the pressure to measure up. At a time when I questioned my own worth and struggled to even like myself, I realised the profound importance of sharing my story.

I knew I had to write this album. It became my mission to give voice to the voiceless and be a beacon of support for those who have experienced similar hardships. I aimed to raise awareness about the critical issues plaguing our society, igniting conversations that desperately needed to be had.

The path to completing this album has been filled with challenges and has demanded everything from me—blood, sweat, tears, and then some. Despite facing countless setbacks, from the financial turmoil caused by the pandemic and Brexit to a near-death experience with COVID-19 that left me hospitalised and robbed of my voice for months, we persevered. We poured our hearts and souls into this labor of love, and the result is something we are immensely proud of. 

Today, as we announce our release plans, a surge of emotions washes over us. We are humbled by the journey we have taken, and the resilience we have discovered within ourselves. This album is a testament to the strength we all possess in the face of adversity.

Fund Financial Breakdown:

As per mentioned, we have a big list of expenses to cover, and ideally, we would love to bring the album to life with every aspect of how we imagine the experience to look and feel. We also want to maintain our reputation for sharing high-quality content and merchandise with our fans. Of course, there are some things that are certainly more urgent than others right now, so I have tried to organise the following list in order of importance. That's not to say that the items lower down the list aren't important, but if we can at least get the most time-sensitive jobs done now, then that’s going to be a MASSIVE help on our journey to the finish line!  

Please note: all monetary figures are based either on the most recent quotes I have for identical work completed on either our 1st album (2019/20) or our recent EP (2022) releases. For things like PR and Tour costs where the prices have varied, so I have given a rough estimate based on multiple previous events.

Artwork for CD and Vinyl: £1,000

Album promo photoshoot: £1,000

Merch design and creation (include 100 Hoodies and 100 T-Shirts): £2,500

500 x double Vinyls: £6,014.40

1000 x CD: £1,729.08

Music Videos (between 3 and 6 videos): approx £20,000 

PR (magazines, radio, and digital): £5,000

Facebook / Google Ads: £5,000 

Tour Travel Costs (based on travel for a 10-date run in the UK / a short European run): £5,000

Postage: £2,500

10% Contingency: £4,975

TOTAL (Ideal with no limitations): £54,719

Minimum goal (raise all or get nothing): £20,000

Hopefully, this gives you all a better insight into who we are, what we're trying to do, and what all the money we're trying to raise is for!

Thanks so much again for taking the time to read our fundraiser story, and we hope you will join us on this incredible journey! Love always, Marisa.

Please feel free to email us at [email protected] for any questions you might have. Thanks.