Darren Watson - New Album Fundraiser

Darren Watson - New Album Fundraiser

Project 2014-04-24 15:07:43 +1200

 Hi everyone. I'm Darren Watson. You may remember me from back in the day leading bands like Chicago Smoke Shop, and The Hot Leftovers. Or maybe from my time as guitar slinger for Kiwi blues legend Midge Marsden. 

I'm asking for your support to complete the production of my new album. As usual, it's mostly my own songs - and includes a couple of gorgeous Bill Lake tunes that I really look forward to sharing with you.

So far we've spent almost $10,000 of our own money and the recording part of the process is 90% complete. However we're now out of money and we really need your help to 'get it over the line' so it can be released, hopefully this year. We are shooting for a late August or early September release. 

The money you invest will enable us to finish recording the songs, then have them professionally mixed with legendary engineer Andrew Downes (The Black Seeds, Fur Patrol, Recloose), who is predominantly doing the engineering on tracks too, and mastered by Mike Gibson at Munki Studios. The funds will also go towards artwork, photography, and manufacturing of CDs. The amount we are asking should cover all of this fairly, including the 9% PledgeMe fee.

Anything beyond the amount we're asking (hey, a musician can be slightly optimistic can't he?) would then help us get the music out into the world - i.e. distribution, touring, and marketing of the album.



My 2010 record Saint Hilda's Faithless Boy (DOWNLOAD IT HERE FOR FREE!) did great things for me and got great reviews including a pretty flash one in US magazine Blues Revue. One of the tunes from that CD, Love Is An Ocean has just been recorded as the lead track on Midge Marsden's new album which is a real buzz for me!

I'm really proud of the music on that last record but reckon the new songs are on another level altogether. The band includes the incredible Richard Te One Jr. on drums, Alan Norman on keyboards, and Elliotte Fuimaono on Bass, as well as several special guests from NZ and around the world. 

You can REALLY help out by making a pledge and selecting your reward. At very least you'll get a signed copy of the new album – and I especially love the idea of playing an acoustic set at your place!

Please share this page with as many people as you can via email, facebook, and any other place your music-loving friends hang out.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Hopefully you can help me get the album finished and get this new music out there. Whatever option you select, please know that I really appreciate your continuing support - and hope you'll thoroughly enjoy this album once you have it cranking on your stereo.

Keep in touch at my website: www.darrenwatson.com

Keep in touch via facebook: www.facebook.com/darrenwatsonband

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NZ Music Awards 1990 – Most Promising Male Vocalist (Finalist)
NZ Music Awards 1991 – Top Male Vocalist (Finalist)
Wellington Music Awards 1993 - Tommy Adderly Award Best Performer
NZ Music Awards 2003 - Best Roots Album 'King Size' (Finalist)
International Songwriting Competition 2008 – First Place (Blues)
International Songwriting Competition 2009 – Third Place (Blues)

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“Songwriting as sharp as a spear . . .” 
Grant Smithies, Sunday Star Times

“Darren Watson plays the blues with skill and conviction that's more than impressive. It's scary.”
Nick Bollinger, Rip It Up

“Watson is at the top of his game now . . .”
Simon Sweetman, NZ Musician

“Darren, I recently saw a clip of you on the youtubes. You're a mutha!”
Rick Holmstrom, Mavis Staples Band

“Right there emotionally.”
Blues Revue Magazine (USA)
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