Zoë Ryan

Melbourne
Music

Our Patchwork Hearts EP project

A$3,700
of $3,500 targetyrs ago
Successful on 18th Jun 2013 at 1:00AM.
Update - 7/11/13

Hello supporters, and world - anyone who happens to be looking at this space!

This campaign has been nothing short of amazing. It's been the catalyst for everything I've wanted to manifest.

I've learned a lot of things along the way - including the importance of knowing when things are going to take a little bit longer than expected, and deciding when things are ready to move into the next phase.

Working with a new band, which somehow sprung into existence out of the campaign venture, I had to learn to know when the songs were ready to be recorded, and although I had proclaimed, in my campaign, 'a record will be out in September' I soon learned that this would not be the case - if you ever run a project like this, whenever you think you will be 'ready' or 'done' by, I recommend adding six months onto the deadline, if you want to look at a more realistic project time frame. However I learned along the way that things take time, if you want to get them right. I explained this to you all in a repliable email, and so far I've had no complaints! What I did tell you was that we were about to head into the studio in October to record, and that we did!

So that brings us to now!

We made our way into that studio, and recorded what was, for most of the musicians on board this project (including myself) our first ever studio recording experience, and first record. We recorded at the most beautiful, deluxe studio called 'Head Gap' which is located in a warehouse in Preston with a most fantastic sound Engineer, Neil Thomason, who has worked with the likes of Augie March, Jen Cloher, Wagons, and many more (Zoë Ryan & the Dandy Lion included.)

5 days of studio time later, we listened to 'Our Patchwork Hearts' after it's first stage of mixing, and I can honestly say - it was one of the most surreal and best feelings of my life to this day.


The record is still to reach it's final stages of mixing, and then to be mastered, but once this is done I will be sending you - if you are a campaign supporter - a link to a private streaming of the EP so you can listen to it, and a digital version of the first single when it is released, as I promised the EP would be reaching you a couple of months ago, however the physical pressings will not be happening until early year.

To get you up to speed on the release plan,

DECEMBER 5 - 'YOUR GHOST' debut single release - we release the first single off the EP, 'Your Ghost' and launch the single and the video (which we are filming from November 18th - to get involved email [email protected]) live to YouTube at the event (at the Curtin Bandroom in Melbourne.)
Those of you who pledged for EP launch tickets will be getting tickets to the single launch.)

FEBRUARY 14 - 'OUR PATCHWORK HEARTS' debut EP release - just in time for Valentines day. The launch event for a day other than Valentines day (don't worry lovers. Single people, this is probably a record you can stay at home and cry to) and all things going to plan, we will take this EP on a bit of a tour to some of our favourite Australian destinations, you might have an idea where some of them are.

And as for rewards other than CDs, they are in the process of coming into existence very, very soon! They'll be ready for the launch and hopefully dispatched before then, but to save on postage (Australia Post is a harsh maiden these days), if you are coming to the launch and you ordered any merchandise please give me a yell (email [email protected]) and I will arrange it to be at the launch for you!

Finally, now that I've explained when things are going to be happening, and when you can expect to receive things and whatnot, I think I'll turn my Pozible page into a Pozible shop... keep an eye out, as some of the same rewards will be on there, and maybe even some new ones!

Once again, Thank you!
I am very grateful to know such amazing, beautiful people, that have been willing to be the many hands that make something like this possible!

I've learned a lot, and I'm glad I took this leap of faith.
If any of you, supporters, or anyone just reading this, wish to start your own campaign and would like advice or help, do not hesitate to ask. I did, and I haven't looked back.

<3










NEW UPDATE!!!

07/08/2013

To all my beautiful supporters, and anyone following my journey!


It's been a while since I've posted, but that's only because this has all been keeping me very busy at work!

To think it's been about four months since the moment I sat at the computer in March, preparing myself to press the 'launch' button on my Pozible campaign, not knowing what to expect!
April, and May involved lots of collaborating, learning covers, and essentially turning the apartment into a make-shift movie studio! Cheers for putting up with that Siobhan! As well as this there was getting the acoustic band together and playing acoustic gigs around the local area, and June was a time of celebrating!

Now July has passed and I have been hard at work on all areas of the EP from the design and concept to the music itself. The band have been learning their parts and rehearsing like crazy, and we even made our stage debut as a live band with a few songs off the EP at the Northcote Social Club last week!

Now, I know I said September! It's crazy how time flies! September is already less than a month away!
Having been down to the studios and talked with a producer, I have decided not to rush into the studio before we are ready! Given that we have a lot of work to do with design and the music video as well, the time frames are looking like they will be pushed back, just a little bit! BUT DON'T WORRY! This is actually a good thing! This will not only mean a much better EP, but also a SUMMER RELEASE & TOUR!!! (WOO!!! Everyone knows live music and summer go hand in hand!)


And I plan on making up for my extending of the deadlines by rewarding you, my beautiful lovely supporters, even more than you were expecting! In the next couple of weeks I will be sending each of you a personal email update, which will have lots of behind the scenes goodness and some exclusive news on a project I've been working on that ties in with the release! I'm pretty excited about it! It will also give you an opportunity to reply if you have changed addresses - or if you forgot to input your address - lots of you seem to have forgotten that part! I would love to send ALL of you something - even if you didn't pledge for a reward! I've got something small & simple, but special (I think) to send you each as a thank you, and some other fun extras!
And finally, to any musicians or music industry peeps wanting to know more about crowdfunding for music, or thinking of starting a campaign, I will be the guest speaker at a Pozible Music & Crowdfunding workshop which w
ill be held on August 28th at Loop Bar in the City (Melbourne that is, Meyers Place) and it's FREE so why not come down, I'd love to say hello and have a chat, all you have to do is register through eventbrite here: http://crowdfundingmusic28th-eorg.eventbrite.com.au/
This will probably be my final update to this campaign page, and the rest of my updates will be directly by email to my supporters, or through social media, but expect to see me run a Pozible campaign some time down the track in the future (when the time seems right again) as my Pozible experience has been nothing short of AMAZING!!

If you would like to keep up with me, the band & the EP, you can find us on Facebook as Zoë Ryan & the Dandy Lion, the link to that page is www.facebook.com/zoeryanmusic
You can also follow @zoe_ryan on twitter and @zoeryanmusic on instragram

Also, if you see the Dandy Lion anywhere, I'd love it if you'd snap it, share it & hashtag it

Love, peace & all things good,
Zoe


13/06/2013-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WE DID IT!!! WE REACHED THE TARGET WITH 5 DAYS TO SPARE!

I MADE THIS SHORT VIDEO TO THANK ALL MY SUPPORTERS!!! <3



For the last 10 days of the campaign I've started a YouTube cover series called Pozible countdown covers.

Here are a couple, you can see the rest on my YouTube channel - youtube.com/zoeryanmusic


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PROJECT UPDATE:

So there are two and a half weeks left before I can finally pop the champagne; the only other bottle to follow the one popped on the first day. It's been a bit over ten weeks since that day and there have been LOTS of new developments, on top of the obvious - that 63 amazing supporters (and some others who have pledged through those 63) have brought the campaign to over 84% of the target, and with the next two and a half weeks I am confident that we will make it. In fact, it might even be great to set a new target - how does 200% sound?

But I feel like it's time I let you in on all the news from our side. If you've been following on Facebook, you might have noticed that I've been playing with some fantastic Melbourne musicians, and there are a couple more to join in the entourage yet. You might even call us a band! That's what we've been calling us, anyway.
What started with me playing solo shows expanded into a duo of two acoustic guitars and a few harmonies. Then we added a banjolin - yes, a banjolin, or 'mandolin banjo' is the correct term I believe, but I prefer banjolin (I've managed to stop calling it a 'banjolele.') With the addition of keys, we have the full lineup ready to go for all five tracks on the EP, before we add the finishing touch - the backing line of bass and drums. Then we'll head into the studio in July.

We've been playing the songs with our current four piece line up live at a few venues around Melbourne and we'd love to let you in on what we've been up to.

And with the growth of the band and a new sound evolving, and a lot of new ideas around the concept, I decided that now was the right time for a new name (or at least, an addition to the name.)

Something punchy and memorable. At a show I played last night I mentioned it to a local in the courtyard, and he remarked, 'now that's something impossible to forget' so I think it's safe to say that's been achieved.

Introducing: Zoë Ryan & the Dandy Lion

This is the name that we will be associated with my music project henceforth. This name encompasses a few different things. It encompasses the live band, and the live sound, as well as any variation of it, including my solo shows and appearances, at least for the current project and current sound.

It encompasses the Dandy Lion itself. That is right, we have a member of the big cat joining our band. A lion. And not just any lion. A dandy one. The Dandy Lion takes pride in his appearance, and joins us on stage as our emblem; a symbol of majesty and strength; yet he is incredibly friendly. And he loves a good photo opp. I can't wait for you to meet him! But he won't be out of hibernation for a while yet...

Finally, having come from an art background coming up, I have been particularly interested in Melbourne's art culture, and street art and the subtle communication form it offers. A blanket of Dandy Lion seeds was spread across Melbourne one night, and it is continuing to spread. I have developed one signature design that represents the Dandy Lion (and my music) and, like a Dandelion would, it is spreading, just like the seeds of a Dandelion when you make a wish. If you see a Dandy Lion anywhere, take a photo, and share it (#dandylion)




And as of tonight, one final reward is being offered. For the last leg of the campaign only, you can pick up a Dandy Lion collectors bundle. This includes a signed copy of the EP plus a signed and framed print of the 'Dandy Lion' graphic, a Dandy Lion Tee, Dandy Lion Tote bag, Dandy Lion mug , Dandy Lion stickers, and a photo with THE Dandy Lion at an upcoming gig or launch.

Also the $20 tote bag reward and the $25 Tee reward are available with this design as well as the existing 'Ghost' and 'Heart' designs already available.


We have $536 to raise before we can call this project a success and I am THOROUGHLY confident we are going to make it, which brings a super smile to my face! But this is no reason to stop now! I've already gone over my existing budget (the amount I had prior to the campaign) which was set to go towards the total budgeted amount for recording and production, (yeah, it happens!) so every dollar over the target is going to make a MASSIVE difference! It also means the difference between adding extra tour destinations as well as which cities we'll get to! We'd love to take these songs to as many places as possible, so keep sharing this link, retweeting, Facbook inviting, emailing, or talking about it work, at home or out with your friends! Like Dandelions, we'd love this to spread as far and wide as possible!

Finally, I would love to celebrate the end of the campaign with any and all of my supporters who happen to be around, in Melbourne. I will be posting a Facebook event ('celebration drinks' or something along those lines) on my Facebook page - the music one!! - so keep an eye on that!

I am amazingly grateful to everyone who has pledged so far! Your faith and kind words will be with me all throughout this journey!

l.o.l (lots of love / lots of lions)

Zoë
xo
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WELCOME!

They say many hands make light work. For the past few years I've been playing live shows around Melbourne, some solo, some with other musicians collaborating, and I've always found along my way that everything turns out wonderfully because those many hands are always there. Live music is a huge part of Melbourne culture and I've been blessed to have been a part of the music community over this time. It's been the countless voyages out to the various venues I've called my stage for the night (or on multiple occasions) by the friends and acquaintances I've met here, and the appreciation shown by patrons enjoying a meal or a drink and sharing with me that they have enjoyed the show, or felt a connection to the music, that has kept the flame for creating and performing music burning in me. That is why, as I embark upon my year of taking the next step of a career in music - that is, releasing my debut EP - I wanted to involve as many people as I possibly could and allow anyone who wants to be part of the project to be as involved as they wish to be.


I've always written my music with honesty, and emotion. I've known no other way - whenever I pick up my guitar the truth seems to just come tumbling out, often in ways I'd never thought of it before. The collection of songs I've assembled for this first extended play release are a selection of my songwriting which deal with the intriguing nature of time and human relationships. I've always been fascinated by the way we all go about our interactions with each other and the complex tapestry of emotions that result from this. Not one of us is a stranger to emotion, and that's what unifies us. It's what keeps us up all night on the phone whinging about (insert name of person that's bothering you). It's what makes us stay out at night longer than we should in case (name of person you really want to see) shows up. It's what determines our choices about what we do, and don't do, in our lives. And of course, It's what makes us relate to music and song the way we do.


So I wanted to name this EP 'Our Patchwork Hearts' because each and every one of is essentially a patchwork of our own emotional pasts, presents and futures. Each of these 5 songs deals with this in some way, and while they are certainly influenced by my own 'patchwork,' they are by no means about it. These five songs I consider much more ours than mine. In many ways they've arisen from all the little bits and pieces of my own experiences interwoven with other bits and pieces of observation on the whole.

I have set the Pozible target to a figure which I think we can definitely achieve - 3500
This will allow the project to go ahead in conjunction with other means of funding.

The breakdown of costs exceeds this figure in studio time alone (over 4000)
and there are many other costs including (but not limited to) mastering, production and publicity to be met as well.

If the target is exceeded, then this excess will all be put towards a better quality final result.
Depending on the extent of the excess we would be able to do more to make it a better result such as spend more time in the studio creating better sounding tracks, produce better quality products, make the EP available on vinyl, create better music videos, documentaries... the list is endless and the creativity is ready to flow and the only thing keeping it bottled up are the hefty price tags, so don't stop sharing this around!
(And to be COMPLETELY transparent - if in some case we manage to raise WAY above what is necessary to make this EP or what is feasible in terms of making it as amazing as it can possibly be, then any extra funds would go towards further career development including the next EP and future albums, recording and performing gear etc etc.)


There are lots of things on offer in return for your contribution, from the smallest at just $1 for good karma, to the EP itself (for a reasonable $10 and a very reasonable $15 deal on EP & launch tickets) to the extravagant options for the big spenders, so knock yourself out! Fill up those virtual shopping trolleys!


HOW TO PLEDGE
1.. Scroll up and click the big blue “Pledge now” button


2. Login with Facebook or email, choose your pledge amount and reward and enter payment details


3. Wait.... and.... while you're waiting, why not pass on the link to this compaign? Copy and paste this link : www.pozible.com/zoeryandebutep and send it to someone who might pledge, every pledge gets us closer to the target (and closer to your pledge being processed, and your reward being received!)


4. When the target of $3500 is reached, your payment will be processed and you will be asked for postal details



5. You will receive your reward by post (or at the launch if you prefer!) I may need to contact you to find out details like sizing for T-shirts or preferences etc.




Once again I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to watch the video, read this, and for your support in whatever form it has been over the years, whether it has been coming down to watch a gig, saying hello or giving a smile, giving some advice, getting in touch, liking the facebook page, following the twitter, watching a youtube vid, rating on unearthed, sharing a link, sharing this campaign, or jumping on this campaign as a Pozible supporter!

The Challenges

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Good Karma

2 chosen

Est. delivery is Jul 13

Twice as much Good Karma as the people that paid $1 for Good Karma!

5 chosen

Est. delivery is Jul 13

Five times as much Good Karma, and a personalised Thankyou note, handwritten and either sent to your home, or emailed!

6 chosen

Est. delivery is Jul 13

Handmade felt fridge magnet in your choice of 'Ghost' (celebrating the first single, Your Ghost) or 'Heart' (celebrating the EP, Our Patchwork Hearts) (*Same designs available as Brooch/badge/pins, see below)

2 chosen / 18 available

Est. delivery is Sep 13

Handmade felt brooch / badge in your choice of 'Ghost' (celebrating the first single, Your Ghost) or 'Heart' celebrating the EP, Our Patchwork Hearts)

7 chosen / 13 available

Est. delivery is Aug 13

Our Patchwork Hearts EP on your choice of CD or USB Be among the first to receive the first ever CD distributed by Zoe Ryan. Features 2 fold case with booklet. OR Let's face it. Times are changing. My friend said to me "I don't even have a CD slot in my computer. I'll buy it if it's a USB." So there you have it. Get it on USB instead, if you're no longer living in disc-world.

28 chosen

Est. delivery is Sep 13

Our Patchwork Hearts EP on your choice of CD or USB and ticket to the EP launch As well as securing your ticket to the EP launch in September (Melbourne) be among the first to receive the first ever CD distributed by Zoe Ryan. Features 2 fold case with booklet. OR Let's face it. Times are changing. My friend said to me "I don't even have a CD slot in my computer. I'll buy it if it's a USB" So there you have it. Get it on USB instead, if you're no longer living in disc-world.

25 chosen

Est. delivery is Sep 13

Totes bagging that - Tote bag in your choice of 'Ghost' or 'Heart'

2 chosen

Est. delivery is Aug 13

Get Tee-d up in your choice of 'Ghost' Tee or 'Heart' Tee, in celebration of the respective releases. Check out zoeryan.net over the course of the campaign to see the designs

8 chosen

Est. delivery is Aug 13

Got you covered Copy of the EP plus ANY song of your choice covered by Zoe and decicated to you, and either uploaded to YouTube, or performed at a gig you are at.

0 chosen / 15 available

Est. delivery is Aug 13

Handstitched Tee or Singlet in 'Ghost' or 'Heart' felt design

2 chosen / 8 available

Est. delivery is Aug 13

A physical copy of the EP (CD) signed & a signed copy of a limited edition never released handmade mystery CD by Zoe (run of 50)

16 chosen / 9 available

Est. delivery is Sep 13

'Dandy Lion' collectors bundle Signed copy of the EP plus a signed and framed print of the 'Dandy Lion' graphic, a Dandy Lion Tee, Dandy Lion Tote bag, Dandy Lion mug , Dandy Lion stickers, and a photo with THE Dandy Lion at an upcoming gig or launch. (see Dandy Lion graphic below - this is the design that will appear on all promotional items in this bundle)

1 chosen

Est. delivery is Sep 13

Picnic time! Plan a picnic at your favourite park in inner Melbourne and have Zoe entertain you and your guests for an hour. (Melbourne only, date & time negotiable)

3 chosen / 7 available

Est. delivery is Jun 13

Have your full name featured in the Thankyou section of the EP, plus 2 VIP tickets to the EP launch, plus a signed polaroid of you with Zoe & band, plus a signed copy of the EP, plus a framed Certificate of Thanks

1 chosen / 4 available

Est. delivery is Sep 13

Private gig Have Zoe and her band play a live show in your lounge room, or backyard! Pitch in with your housemates and invite all your friends, our team will make a night of it, providing sound, photography and all the frills! (Date subject to location)

0 chosen / 8 available

Est. delivery is Nov 13

Any angels out there? This option is for angel investors who believe in the project and have the ability to contribute at an investment scale and wish nothing more than to see it succeed at it's fullest potential.

0 chosen

Est. delivery is Jul 13

Anywhere in the world! Have Zoe perform as part of your next event (Dates subject to conditions)

0 chosen / 1 available

Est. delivery is Nov 13