Damien Binder

I know it's been a while since my last album but like most songwriters, I'm always consciously or unconsciously writing songs or thinking about ideas for songs. When sitting down to write I might be endlessly riffing, working on a melody or poring over a lyric, re-writing, editing, refining, on and on it goes til it clicks, til I'm happy.

For me it's mostly hard graft punctuated by "a cleansing moment of clarity" as said so aptly by Peter Finch in the movie 'Network'.  Miraculously though sometimes it all comes together, the parts fit, the wayward find a home and in that moment it's a hit of elation. When this happens enough times I know I'm ready for another album...

For those who don't know me I started life in a band in NZ called Second Child in the 1990s. We had some success with an album called 'Slinky' and played some great shows with the likes of Fugazi, Jesus and Mary Chain and Nirvana to shamelessly name-drop a few.  After we split I delved into my songwriting a bit more and went solo with my debut self-titled album in 2000. 'Til Now' followed in 2003 - the title track got an APRA Silver Scroll Finalist Nomination. These records were well-received, we made some fun videos (scroll down - not yet though!) and again I got some good breaks - touring with David Gray, Marianne Faithful, Ani De Franco and traveling to the States to play the South x Southwest music festival.

By 2009 I'd moved to Sydney and made another album "While The Wind's At Your Back". Whilst the record flew under the radar,  the songs have proven to be live favourites with some picked up for tv soundtrack play.

That record had a difficult birth with my band for the album imploding on the eve of recording and soon after my friend/producer falling ill for a long time. The experience was taxing but it forged together some really strong songs and gave the album a lasting quality.

I took some time out afterward to take stock and reflect. While living and working and getting on with things I tinkered quietly away on new material for no other reason than because I like writing songs and I'm sometimes compelled to.

Like the rest of us, life's gotten busier with work, family and other commitments, a lot of time is spent ‘spinning plates' as a friend used to say. It can be hard to balance everything but whenever I get the chance, the right personnel, oh yes and THE MONEY I always try to make records because it's my favourite thing to do!

And now album number four is finally here!!

Over the last year I've worked with some very talented people and they were generous in their dedication and commitment, investing themselves with passion into the songs. As with the last album it has been a trans-tasman affair.

Over many fun-filled days and nights, I was joined in Auckland, NZ by my long time cohort Bob Shepheard (my last 3 albums) producing the initial sessions. I was fortunate enough to also have legendary drummer and all-round nice guy Wayne Bell (Bic Runga, Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn The Bads) onboard to add his taste and experience to the 10 tracks - and man did he do a hell of a job!



                            

In Sydney at Love HZ Studios (recent sessions - Shane Nicholson, Josh Pyke) adding some new dimensions I’ve had the talented Michael Carpenter (Bryan Estepa, Youth Group Perry Keyes) co producing. Michael lives and breathes music like no one else I've met. He threw his heart and soul into this project and treated it as his own. Other valuable contributors have included Dave Hatt (Brian Estepa band) lending some of his unique guitar stylings and Kylie Whitney providing backing vocals.


    

                       
Working on this album with the aforementioned group has been a blast and there have been many inspiring moments from beginning to end - What you always hope for in the studio! Personally, it’s always been about having strong songs and the 10 here are some meaningful ones to me - I hope that comes across. Capturing the spirit/heart of songs is the essence of recording and we let that guide us throughout.

I think we got there.

Now that it's recorded, we come round the bend to the last stretch, which is all about mixing, mastering and manufacturing.

I've always paid for my own recordings and this one is no different and for the first time I'm calling on you (and others!) to help me complete this final stage and make it happen. The good news is we are almost there!

For a select few of you, I'm offering the chance to help me finish it in the best way possible and to reward you for your generousity I have put together some handsome rewards, cool rare stuff and unique experiences.  All who contribute will receive, amongst other things, the new album before it is officially released!
The cost of the final piece will, largely be, fronted by me but if I can get others who like my work (or who discover they like it!) to be involved and share in making this album a reality, it would mean a lot.
Having your support means I can keep doing this and you'll be the first to own it and say you helped make it happen.

I promise work that will be worthy in return.
                                                                  

The funds will be used toward the cost of mixing, mastering and manufacturing of the album.
If the goal is surpassed (what a wonderful world it would be...) the remaining funds will be used to promote the album.
Album mixing - $2750
Mastering - $1210
Replication/Packaging - $1500

Total: $5460

The main obstacle I see for the project is that there is a lot of crowdfunding going on out there today.  Having said that I will continue to finish the album if the goal is not met though it will be harder and take longer. 
Records are still expensive to make and people don't buy them like they used to. I know this but I still I keep making them, not so much in defiance, but  because it's a thrill to do so! Fortunately it appears a few people also like them too.
This continues to spur me on.
My project is part of a long journey as a song-writer since the dear old 1990's.  I hope that people will recognise that I have been in this game a while and I aint foolin!
in spite of fashion, trends, the state of the music industry or the cultural elevation of Kim Kardashian I'm committed to this and if you support me you'll allow me to keep thrive artistically and continue my growth.   Plus you'll get a little something in return.