It’s been five years since I made my last record. That’s a long time. Sorry about that. I got a little distracted.
But you’ve stuck with me – Thank you – and over the last five years we’ve done a lot together.
We launched a blog together.
We prayed my son out of a hospital and my family out of our big house and cancer out of my sister-in-law’s eye and me out of depression.
We’ve fought over war and Halloween and yoga.
But laughed far more – about doobies and business socks, that unfortunate situation in Target, select portions of the bible…and yoga.
We’ve been around the world together. From Uganda to India we played with children, marveled at heros, found some perspective.
Across North America (and sometimes Ireland), you and I have mobilized Christians to live more simply and give more extravagantly.
Together God’s used us to release more than 15,000 children from poverty and just as many sponsors from wealth in only five years!
But we’re not done.
Now I’d like to make a record with you.
We’ll start by raising the $21,000 necessary to record – to hire musicians, rent a studio, secure a producer and engineer. This is the cheapest recording budget of all my records so far, made possible by a down market and lots of favors from my friends here in Nashville.
We’ll be raising the money through kickstarter.com and their genius reward system. Those donating $5 get a pre-order copy of the CD. The person who gives $3000 gets my electric guitar. And there are rewards for every level of giving in between!
I don’t have a record label, sure. But I’m not an independent artist. I’ve always been dependent on you. And never more than now.
Thanks in advance for spreading the word, praying, and giving. Let’s make music together! And a lot more change.
-Shaun
Shaun Groves says:
Those of you have already given toward this project in recent days (through the blog) I’ve got you on my list and you will receive the same goodies the folks are giving through kickstarter are going to receive (and more). Thanks.
Christine says:
Can’t think of a better way to give back to someone who has given so much for others. Although, it felt kinda awkward selecting a ‘reward’ since it’s meant to be a gift…but I did anyway! ๐
keith says:
Very cool. I’m in.
jay sauser says:
Need a bass player? ๐ I’ll come cheap – just let me sleep on your floor and I’ll do it!
JessicaB says:
Squeee!
Meredith Dunn says:
Let’s do it.
Meredith Dunn says:
what are the odds of one of us getting to sing back-up? just curious.
Amy says:
Shaun, I love this. I’m in!
eric w says:
Brilliant! I can’t wait for a new Shaun Groves CD!
Kelli says:
This kind of stuff gets me all jazzed. I love being a part of helping someone reach their dreams and goals. Thanks for letting us be a part!
Megan says:
While I’d love to get a phone call or a signed CD from you, I think that would be the wrong motivation (for me) to give to this project. So I’m wondering if you can tell me what you anticipate God doing through this new album?
Shaun Groves says:
Great question! Thanks for caring. Perhaps a blog post is in order to answer ; )
Jenn says:
Have mercy, you’ve got a lot of links in this post. I clicked on one, and then another, and then I read a comment on one that made me look for another post the commenter referenced, and then I was waaaay down a bunny trail. And then I forgot why I was here in the first place. But I regrouped, I came back to this post and I am so excited about a new CD! I am happy to help in a small way. You do so much to help the Compassion kids, it’s the least I can do. I can’t wait to hear it!
Michael Patterson says:
I’m in. Can’t wait to hear your new album. Do you know the locations for your tour yet? I’m just hoping you’ll be in the Seattle area.
You’re the oldest Compassion kid I’ve ever sponsored! The way I see it, investing in you is will help you find sponsors for so many more children. Thanks for all you do for children around the world and the sacrifices you and your family have made.
[email protected] says:
How extremely cool. Respect just shot through the roof. Think of art as a community longing, a community effort. Beautiful.
Win says:
I donated yesterday so I guess I was one step ahead. Looking forward to it!
Lindsay says:
๐ 1. This is awesome. ๐
2. While I’m excited to read the blog post about what you feel God might do through this album, I just wanted to say that I, for one, trust you. I don’t say that because I think it’s a big deal. I just say it to encourage you. Even when we might disagree over yoga or whatever else, it is clear to me that you love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind. It is also clear to me that you are asking Him to show you how to love others like yourself, then acting on what He shows you. So, I just wanted you to know that I’m giving. I’m supporting this album. And not because I’ll get a reward. And not because I think God will do something great with it. But simply because I believe you’re trying to step out in faith and be obedient…and that’s something I can get behind. ๐ Be encouraged!
Robin Dance says:
Finally….! It’s about time, Mister.
Are you interviewing for back-up singers? Because if you’re interested in a “can’t-carry-a-tune-in-a-bucket” Groves Supreme, I’m your girl. *In case* that’s not the sound you’re after–(hmph, hands on hips) FINE!–I’ll completely understand and support you anyway ;).
Seriously, I *know* what your motivation is for finally getting your tail back in studio (at least in part), it’s a means to a beautiful end. Thanks for inviting your community to join you and for sharing a much bigger picture than we can actually see.
Yet.
Sam says:
I find the marketing idea one of the most genius ideas. Not only is there a cool reward for helping you out to record it, but it lets the listener and fan get on-board with what you are doing. I do fundraising for my work, and there’s nothing people love more than a chance to meet and connect with a person. If it helps a project, it’s makes it all the sweeter. Plus you give options for music/audio geeks, down to a a simple pre-order. Great work Shaun.
Sherron says:
This is brilliant, Shaun! I’m in!
JessicaB says:
I just wish my tiny circle of influence was larger so that I could help with that percentage mark!
Jennifer says:
When are you doing the songwriter’s meeting? This is something I would LOVE to attend, but my husband works overseas, so we would need to make sure the dates work for us. Thanks!
JessicaB says:
I stole your blog pictures for my post. That’s not creepy, right?
๐
Squee!
Nickie says:
Now see, you totally give back to those who give. That’s so incredibly cool and generous and all those other words that my brain won’t quite form yet (because I haven’t had enough coffee and it’s 6:45 am)! I would absolutely LOVE to give a sickeningly huge amount, but I’m not in a position to do so. I can give, and I will. I will also ask everyone I know to give as much as they can. I don’t know what God has planned for you, but I know it’s big.
Win says:
I emailed Heather Miles (morning DJ) at KXOJ here in Tulsa about the opportunity to make a record with you and hope that they will be talking about it in the coming days.
Sarah says:
Shaun, we’re in. We believe in you, we believe in Compassion, and we consider this an investment in both. We’re proud to be a part of this.
-Scott & Sarah
eyesofHooloovoo says:
I’m really excited about this record – def gonna support it. Passed it on to all my musically like-minded friends. And also my sister, just in case.
That’s a really neat idea, though, getting everyone involved. We can’t give much, but we’ll give what we can.
FzxGkJssFrk says:
Okay, I’ve been getting more and more excited about this – especially the songwriting session.
If our current plans hold for the next couple of weeks, I’m in.