I need your help...

This is an invitation.

You are likely the kind of person who has been an ambassador for independent music in the past and may very well be willing to adopt this role in the future, especially pertaining to my upcoming album project. The following message is a glimpse into the new album project. I can't express how excited I am about this project and how much I hope that we, together, can make this work.

What Kind of Album Project?

I currently have about 15 new songs that include my Grandmother's songwriting (2-3 of her songs will go on the record!) and a collection of material that has twin "English/Chinese" versions.

Styles range from gentle jazz trio to crunchy rock, from solo acoustic folk instrumentals to full-band, gypsy-swing party tunes. Like previous "Ember Swift" releases, this will be an eclectic album.

Unlike the "LENTIC" project, which was about attempting a new style path in the vein of "folktronica," I will be resuming my previous (and comfy) approach to record-making: making a record that is impossible to categorize! "LENTIC," as a term, now embodies my whole world view: living slower, learning faster. This collection will form a bridge across the waters, so-to-speak, between "The Dirty Pulse" (2006) and "Lentic" (2009).

I am trying something new on the 11th album, though. For the first time, I'm financing the studio work through advanced CD sales. Whoever is willing to pre-purchase the next release will henceforth be called an "Ambassador" for this project. Farmers often sell their crops before they are grown and use the money to buy seed and grow the crop. Then they deliver it. An increasing number of indie artists are experimenting with this same model. It's organic. It makes sense. I have to experiment with this.

What Does Being an "Ambassador" Mean?

Without my asking, you've been kind enough act like an ambassador for me in the past. Now, I'm formally asking you to be an Official Album Project Ambassador. That means two things to me:

1. I'm asking you to spend at least $20 now to buy an advanced copy of the new CD! Listed below are some other options to help fund more of the project and receive a lot more than just a copy of the CD.

2. I'm asking you to tell your friends!

Post on Facebook about it!

Blog about it!

Tweet about it!

Here's a LINK TO SHARE with friends.

I'm serious. There are thousands of people on my mailing list, but nothing helps promotion more than the words from one friend to another—word-of-mouth. But, electronic word-of-mouth is unbelievably powerful (beyond measure, really) and it's as easy as posting to your status.

You are already an Ambassador in so many way, let's face it. You play my music for friends and have introduced people to the live shows. You know which of your friends has become a fan as a result of your encouragement. It follows, then, that you know which of your friends may want a copy of this opportunity.

I need your help. I can't make this project alone.

What's in it For You?

I don't think that's a selfish question. Community is about balance. Balance is about exchange. There needs to be a sense of camaraderie or else we are not going to be able to work together.

For $20 and your commitment to spread the word,
here's what you'll receive:

An autographed advance copy of the new CD to be released in 2011!

A private spot on a "Supporters Only" e-mail update list, which will be more like a blog delivered to your inbox that chronicles the project from here on in

Access to a monthly unreleased live recording of the new material, either from rehearsal takes or from live performances

Access to a monthly download of a live video that has not been posted to YouTube or any other public forum

Access to the tracks that do not make it to the record, and there will be lots! We will record everything and then a collection of us will choose which ones should be released, but you'll still get to hear them all

And, of course if you invest more than $20 in the new project, according to the table below, you'll receive other goodies

"Ambassador" Commitment Due Date

DREAMS need to be PLANTED
during growing season...

This dream, to get the 11th album recorded and produced and released in 2011, has to happen within the following time frame:

BEFORE MARCH 31st, 2011!!

I will be able to complete this project, but not without your help. A strong community has unending power to make change & art is a key to galvanizing community. I know you believe this.

Purchase an advance copy of the next project by March 31st and come to this project's aid just as I have come to your town, city, state, country to bring you this music over the years.

If you (or you and some friends) fund a bigger portion of the project budget, below are some of the ideas I've had to recognize the value of your commitment. I stress that they are IDEAS. Got your own? Pitch them! I'm open to options. Let's be creative together.

IN EXCHANGE...

$20 =Advanced autographed copy of the album (sent to your door), as mentioned above and as the key to your "Ambassador" status
$50 = 2 Advanced autographed copies of the Album (sent to your door) + Your Name in the Liner Notes
$100 = All of the above + the full collection of the remaining back catalogue, and digital versions of anything out of print (with the exception of the Limited Edition of LENTIC) + A guaranteed guest list spot at all of my future area shows (but you must inform me in advance that you're coming, however!)
$200 = All of the above + an autographed LIMITED EDITION of LENTIC (there are only about 2 dozen copies left on our stock shelves!)

$300 = All of the above + a SKYPE session with me (EMBER) during which I'll play you a few of your requested tracks as a private online solo concert
$500 = All of the above + 5 additional copies of the new record, a FULL solo concert (1 hour) in your HOME ~or~ via SKYPE (depending on where I am in the world)
$1000 = All of the above + 10 additional copies of the new record, a DUO house concert in your HOME ~or~ via SKYPE (again, depending on geography), + your direct input on song order, photo selection, vetoing tracks and album design
$1000+=All of the above + my undying love + the pleasure of becoming a veritable patron of the arts + a co-write in the future of either lyrics or music or concept, whatever your forte!

The Old-Fashioned Way...

If you don't want to use an electronic pre-purchase system, feel free to mail me a cheque. I can accept Canadian or U.S. funds to the address below. Money Orders are always great too!

Ember Swift
25 Government Dock Road #242
Norland, Ontario
K0M 2L0
Canada

Final Thought...

THANK YOU.

For being out there.

All the best this January, 2011.

-es