From an RV to a Pandemic to a Nashville Record
I moved to Nashville in search of badass musicians. I found them. Let's make my debut Nashville-based album a reality!
Project Description
Performing and playing music is the love of my life. But when I was a little girl, I was incredibly timid. I could never have dreamed of singing on stage. As a shy, half-Chinese granddaughter of immigrants, I believed it was better to stay quiet and not take up space. Secretly, I wanted to sing. I sang quietly in my bedroom, and I danced and sang around the house when nobody was home.
33 years later, I can say I’ve come a long way: I played 170 shows in 365 days while living in a 30-ft RV, playing shows across the USA and Canada.. Then I decided to move across the country from California to Nashville, Tennessee to further pursue my career in music.
Just 4 months after moving to Nashville, COVID-19 hit the world and everything changed.
Luckily, the music community in this city is unlike any other! I’ve met not only the most talented musicians and artists, but the most incredible, genuine friends. We’ve looked out for each other and supported each other through the roller coaster of these last two years, and out of the chaos came some beautiful songs.
My co-producer Connor Gehlert and I have been tackling this record in a super low-budget way, recording mostly at his home studio. We recorded the rhythm section with Michael Beckhart, who was studying audio engineering at the time and wanted to build his experience with recording a live band.
The record isn’t done yet, and I need your help bringing it to life. Asking for help is very nerve wracking, and it can be tough to unlearn the hurtful messaging many of us artists have received that says “artists don’t deserve to be paid”--but I believe in the integrity of this music!
I’ve come up with some honestly SLAPPIN rewards and incentives for this campaign that I am genuinely excited about! Nashville is so full of creative and interesting people, so I got help from my friends on these unique rewards so you will not only be contributing towards the album, you’ll get a cool thing or experience out of it (who DOESN’T want a psychic reading or an E-Book on RV Life!?)
My goal is to raise at least $10,000, but if we raise more I’ll be able to dream a bit bigger and hire help with press to get my name out there, pitch my brand, and get my music heard by a bigger audience.
Your contributions will help with:
Creating jobs: your contributions are creating over 16 jobs for people in the music industry. I’ve been paying as I go and out of pocket for some of my musicians and, quite frankly, they deserve more! The musicians I have on this record are so talented and they are bringing my songs to the next level. Connor Gehlert, my co-producer, has spent countless hours going over these songs with me and bringing them to their highest and fullest sonic potential. This takes a TON of work and patience on his part, so let’s get him compensated for this labor of love.
Mixing and Mastering: this is a crucial part of making a high quality album! You’d be surprised how different some of your favorite songs might sound if they aren’t mixed and mastered professionally. Let's make it sound as awesome as possible for your lil' ears!
Album Art: I’m commissioning my dear friend and visual artist Miriam Speyer design the artwork for this project, which will be printed on T-shirts and/or Tank Tops for your fashionable selves!
Distribution and Marketing: I will release this album everywhere music is available, and I plan to use your contributions to market the album properly. In a world where there is so much content all the time, it can get really overwhelming for listeners to find what they’re looking for. Getting help to create the right content will help get my music to the right ears.
Thank you SO MUCH for reading my story. Your support truly means the world to me, and I can’t wait to bring this record into the world. Let’s do this, ya’ll!
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
I want to purchase more than one reward. Can I do that?
Of course! You are able to select and add multiple rewards to your cart.
I just want to contribute, and not purchase a reward. What do I do?
The first reward listed is Monetary Option. Select this reward, type in the amount you'd like to contribute, and that amount will be added to fund.
I want a certain reward, but I'd like to contribute more than the reward price. What do I do?
Select the reward you would like to purchase, and then select the "Monetary Option" reward and fill in the additional amount you would like to contribute.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept Stripe and Paypal. Please let me know if you're having trouble with Stripe or Paypal or if these are not an option for you and we will find another solution!
Just Because I Care
You just want to support the creation of this record and my musical journey. Thank you!
You get a ticket to a virtual show held on Zoom! I'll perform a 45-min set of originals and some covers, with a Q & A at the end.
You get a copy of my E-Book "How to book 180 gigs in one year E-Book: Guide to touring, booking, and living life in an RV"! If you're a musician looking to hit the road, this will be the perfect resource for you. This E-Book is a user-friendly, simple guide to help you figure out your touring needs and book as many shows as possible.
If you're not a musician, the E-Book is still super interesting and useful if you want to learn about RV life and read about my experience living on the road!
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
You get your very own Ellisa Sun CD of the new record for your listening pleasure. (note: picture is not the CD--the CD hasn't been made yet!)
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
A lovely customized T-Shirt or Tank Top, with album artwork by Nashville-based artist Miriam Speyer.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
I've made some amazing friends in Nashville, ya'll! You'll get a set of 12 illustrated postcards by Nashville-based artist Miriam Speyer. These postcards are unique and each one is based on the sign of the zodiac.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
Let's get woo-woo! You get a private, 15-minute tarot card reading from my dear friend and artist Ian Depriest, plus a personalized zodiac playlist made by me for your zodiac sign.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
You're a fan of my music! Thank you. This package includes a Tank Top, T-Shirt, Album Art Print and a CD or digital download, plus a ticket to the virtual show.
Let's get woo-woo again! You get a private, 15-minute psychic reading from my awesome friend and artist Becky Levi, plus a personalized zodiac playlist from me based on your sign!
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
Let's learn something! You get a private lesson of your choice with me: voice, songwriting, or beginning guitar.
My co-producer Connor Gehlert is also offering a private lesson in music production or intermediate/advanced guitar!
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
Guess what? I'm a yoga instructor, too! I love teaching folks how to move their bodies and I'm super open to all levels. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned yogi, I'll tailor my class to your specific needs. This class can be held in-person if you live in Nashville, or over zoom! Also includes a ticket to the virtual show. Photo credit: Digital Love Studio
I'm finally doing it! It's been a dream of mine to have my very own vinyl record for many years, so this one is super exciting. You'll get your very own Ellisa Sun vinyl record.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show. (note: the picture shown is not the actual vinyl, those are just props!)
You're a fan and you love me. I love you too.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show!
I'll learn any song you want--from "WAP" to "Country Roads, Take Me Home" and send it to you or your loved one! This one is a great idea for a gift, as a birthday or anniversary present. You will receive a high-quality recording of the song and a dedication video, too!
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
You are SUPER! This package includes a Tank/T-Shirt, Signed Album Art Print, CD, Handwritten Lyrics, and a customized Playlist that inspired the record.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
This is a great one for you or as a gift to a friend! I'll write a one to two-minute lullaby for your little one, sent as a high-quality recording or video if you want it.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
This one's serious, ya'll! I will write you a full song about the subject of your choice. This will be a high-quality recording and a video with a dedication to you or your loved one (this is a great option for a gift!)
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
YOU'RE MY HERO! This package includes a Tank/T-Shirt, Signed Album Art Print, Signed Vinyl, Early Listening, Add YOUR name to liner notes, Playlist that inspired the record, Handwritten Lyrics, Digital Download, AND Original Voice Memos of the songs (so you get a behind-the scenes sense of what the songs sounded like before they were produced).
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
For my fans located either in the Los Angeles area, the Bay Area, and/or Nashville: I'll come out and play a show for your event! This is a great reward for people with upcoming celebrations like birthday parties, weddings or anniversaries. Price includes airfare for California, and includes a full band for Nashville contributors.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
YOU'RE MY SUPER HERO! You get an "Honorary Executive Producer" credit in the liner notes of the record.
You also get everything in the #1 Fan Package: Tank/T-Shirt, Signed Album Art Print, Signed Vinyl, Early listening, Add name to liner notes, Playlist that inspired the record, Handwritten Lyrics, Digital Download, and Original Voice Memos of the songs. Also includes at ticket to the virtual show.
Rewards
Just Because I Care
You just want to support the creation of this record and my musical journey. Thank you!
You get a ticket to a virtual show held on Zoom! I'll perform a 45-min set of originals and some covers, with a Q & A at the end.
You get a copy of my E-Book "How to book 180 gigs in one year E-Book: Guide to touring, booking, and living life in an RV"! If you're a musician looking to hit the road, this will be the perfect resource for you. This E-Book is a user-friendly, simple guide to help you figure out your touring needs and book as many shows as possible.
If you're not a musician, the E-Book is still super interesting and useful if you want to learn about RV life and read about my experience living on the road!
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
You get your very own Ellisa Sun CD of the new record for your listening pleasure. (note: picture is not the CD--the CD hasn't been made yet!)
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
A lovely customized T-Shirt or Tank Top, with album artwork by Nashville-based artist Miriam Speyer.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
I've made some amazing friends in Nashville, ya'll! You'll get a set of 12 illustrated postcards by Nashville-based artist Miriam Speyer. These postcards are unique and each one is based on the sign of the zodiac.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
Let's get woo-woo! You get a private, 15-minute tarot card reading from my dear friend and artist Ian Depriest, plus a personalized zodiac playlist made by me for your zodiac sign.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
You're a fan of my music! Thank you. This package includes a Tank Top, T-Shirt, Album Art Print and a CD or digital download, plus a ticket to the virtual show.
Let's get woo-woo again! You get a private, 15-minute psychic reading from my awesome friend and artist Becky Levi, plus a personalized zodiac playlist from me based on your sign!
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
Let's learn something! You get a private lesson of your choice with me: voice, songwriting, or beginning guitar.
My co-producer Connor Gehlert is also offering a private lesson in music production or intermediate/advanced guitar!
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
Guess what? I'm a yoga instructor, too! I love teaching folks how to move their bodies and I'm super open to all levels. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned yogi, I'll tailor my class to your specific needs. This class can be held in-person if you live in Nashville, or over zoom! Also includes a ticket to the virtual show. Photo credit: Digital Love Studio
I'm finally doing it! It's been a dream of mine to have my very own vinyl record for many years, so this one is super exciting. You'll get your very own Ellisa Sun vinyl record.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show. (note: the picture shown is not the actual vinyl, those are just props!)
You're a fan and you love me. I love you too.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show!
I'll learn any song you want--from "WAP" to "Country Roads, Take Me Home" and send it to you or your loved one! This one is a great idea for a gift, as a birthday or anniversary present. You will receive a high-quality recording of the song and a dedication video, too!
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
You are SUPER! This package includes a Tank/T-Shirt, Signed Album Art Print, CD, Handwritten Lyrics, and a customized Playlist that inspired the record.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
This is a great one for you or as a gift to a friend! I'll write a one to two-minute lullaby for your little one, sent as a high-quality recording or video if you want it.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
This one's serious, ya'll! I will write you a full song about the subject of your choice. This will be a high-quality recording and a video with a dedication to you or your loved one (this is a great option for a gift!)
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
YOU'RE MY HERO! This package includes a Tank/T-Shirt, Signed Album Art Print, Signed Vinyl, Early Listening, Add YOUR name to liner notes, Playlist that inspired the record, Handwritten Lyrics, Digital Download, AND Original Voice Memos of the songs (so you get a behind-the scenes sense of what the songs sounded like before they were produced).
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
For my fans located either in the Los Angeles area, the Bay Area, and/or Nashville: I'll come out and play a show for your event! This is a great reward for people with upcoming celebrations like birthday parties, weddings or anniversaries. Price includes airfare for California, and includes a full band for Nashville contributors.
Also includes a ticket to the virtual show.
YOU'RE MY SUPER HERO! You get an "Honorary Executive Producer" credit in the liner notes of the record.
You also get everything in the #1 Fan Package: Tank/T-Shirt, Signed Album Art Print, Signed Vinyl, Early listening, Add name to liner notes, Playlist that inspired the record, Handwritten Lyrics, Digital Download, and Original Voice Memos of the songs. Also includes at ticket to the virtual show.