a pre-order of the digital version of my fifth album, “volume 2: run with the silent wildfires”, coming out on march 30th, is available now, via bandcamp (click here: https://raisedbyswans6.bandcamp.com/album/volume-2-run-with-the-silent-wildfires). please bear with me as i share a few words about this; the opportunity only comes up very rarely.
though i wouldn’t change a thing about what i do, making and releasing music as a lone, unsigned musician (especially one who takes years to make each album) costs much more than it pays. it’s a challenge to cover even basic living expenses while i’m recording, and i inevitably end up in debt when i’m done.
it’s all worth it to me – truly – but after eight continuous years of writing and recording these last two albums, the debt is larger than usual, and has officially crossed the line from “absurd, but slightly amusing in its enormity” into “am i going to have to move into that broken teacup i saw in the woods the other day, and would that snail be okay with a roommate” territory. meanwhile, i’m still travelling to and from the studio until mid-march, finishing things up.
so. seeing as i’m finally on the cusp of releasing this collection of 20 songs, every one of which i’m wildly in love with, i wouldn’t forgive myself if i didn’t say the following:
though i know that nearly everyone is struggling financially these days (and otherwise; i hope this message finds you safe, most of all), i leave the option open on bandcamp to “pay what you can” in case one is able to donate even a little bit extra (and because i won’t use fundraising platforms, like GoFundMe or Patreon). it’s never an obligation, but even an extra dollar will buy a banana, and truthfully i’m as moved by a good banana as i am by a few hours of studio time. even if you don’t use bandcamp, and feel like contributing a once-only donation for a download you’ll never use, it will get directly to me, and quickly. i could have that banana in my hand in 48 hours.
with all of this said, however you choose to listen to my music helps, so whether you stream it on spotify or tidal or apple music or download it or listen to my CDs, you’re contributing to future (and past) raised by swans music, spanning everything from studio and touring costs to basic survival. thank you, as always, for your support.
and thank you to those who have purchased and/or listened to the five songs i’ve released early. it’s very much appreciated (note: they are included with the pre-order).
finally, having just discovered the option of manufacturing CDs on temporary credit (more debt, yes, but an investment, i hope), i’m happy to report that CDs will be available of both volume 1 (with “trains we both missed” and “pale blue black holes” added, as bonus tracks), and the new album as well, at the end of march. working hard on preparing the artwork for these now, as i creep ever closer to final mixes of the songs. so the pre-order will also give me a chance to see how many copies are possible. and if that number is too low to justify going ahead with the order, at least i’ll have something to negotiate with when i go see the snail in the teacup.
thank you for your patience in getting through all of this. i couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of sharing “volume 2: run with the silent wildfires” with all of you on march 30th.
love,
eric.
