THE SHORT:

- Hello! I'm Sophie, AKA Melbourne-based independent folk-roots artist Little Wise
- I have nearly finished recording my debut full length album
- I’m asking you to ‘Jump on Board’ and pre-buy the album to help me complete, release and market it
- You will receive awesome rewards in return including a digital download BEFORE the official release date
- Thanks to Creative Partnerships Australia’s MATCH program, every dollar you give to this campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, provided we reach our campaign target of $8000
- We have 6 weeks to reach our target. If we don’t reach it, we get nothing!
- Become a part of this project, hop on board the Little Wise Express and together we can make this dream a reality!

THE LONG:

Hello and welcome. My name is Sophie. I’m better known on the Australian folk and alt-country music scene as Little Wise. I’ve been writing songs since I was fifteen and I’ve been playing live and touring for the past 5 years.

In that time I’ve played in pubs, halls, folk festivals, churches, living rooms and even a Laundromat! I love sharing my music and feel privileged to connect with so many people around the country through it. I’ve also had the opportunity to play with a host of great musical friends along the way.

[Playing in a church at Majors Creek Music Festival, NSW in 2015]



[With my bandmate Megan in 2014]


As an independent artist I have self-funded the recording and release of two EPs- ‘Moments of Clarity’ (5 tracks) in 2012 and ‘Sweet Rain Falling’ (6 tracks) in 2014. Being independent means I am not signed to a major record label. This is great because it gives me total control over all aspects of my music career. BUT- making and releasing new material can be very expensive!

So here’s where you come in. I am asking you to pre-buy my first full length album so that I can complete and release it.

I have written my strongest collection of songs to date for this album. I have almost finished recording these songs, with just some finishing touches to be completed. I have been working with my friends Megan Bernard and Kalju Tonuma (AKA ‘MEJU’) to produce something really special. They totally understand my vision for the music and are making it a reality. I have had the honour of working with some very special guest musicians including Ben Franz (The Waifs) and Jude Perl.

The first phase of the recording set the tone for the entire album. We were able to set up a recording studio at my family home where I grew up and lived for twenty years. As you’ll soon find out, the songs are so connected to stories of my home and family life, so it was a very raw and intimate experience recording them in the very location that the stories took place!

Next we went to Woodstock Studios in Balaclava, Melbourne- the flashiest studio I have ever worked in! Paul Kelly and John Butler amongst many others have recorded there. I brought in my friends Daniel Hobson (bass) and Pam Zaharias (drums)- AKA ‘Pam and Dan’ to record the full-band tracks which have an awesome live band energy and vibe.

[Recording with a wonderful vintage 'Harmony' guitar at Woodstock Studio - I was very careful not to drop it!]



[Rehearsing with the band before going into the studio]


Since the Woodstock sessions, MEJU and I have been chipping away at the recording, adding vocals and extra little bits and pieces.

The songs are already sounding better than I had dreamed. I cannot wait to show you the finished product. All the album needs is a little push towards the finish line.

MEJU and I need to finish recording, mixing and then mastering the tracks. I also need to press CDs and vinyl and conduct a promotional campaign so the album reaches the ears of the people! For more details of the costs, see the budget below.

I am asking you to ‘jump on board’ to help me complete and release this album. With your help, we can make this record the best it can be and reach as many fans as possible.

I will personally thank each and everyone person who pledges their support for this project- whatever the amount you choose to contribute. Your support means the world to me - I cannot do this without each and everyone one of you. So thank you in advance wonderful people!

In return for your pledges there are some great rewards on offer including private house concerts, your name in the album credits and signed limited-edition merchandise. As a special thank-you, all pledgers will receive a digital download of the album BEFORE the official release date.

If we reach our target of $8,000 in 6 weeks, the pledge money will be captured. The catch is, if we don’t reach our target, we get nothing.

Thanks to Creative Partnerships Australia’s MATCH program, every dollar you give to this campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, provided we reach our campaign target of $8000. How exciting!

So hop on board the Little Wise Express and become a part of something special!

Reviews of Previous Little Wise work

Here is a rough breakdown of how the money will be spent. This does not include the money I have already contributed for recording, studio hire and session musician fees. My contribution has already been pretty hefty so I’m asking you to help me along the way!

This budget is realistic and I have tried to keep costs to a minimum. For example, I will be doing a portion of the publicity myself so I don’t have to pay a publicist for every single activity. I’ll also be sleeping on your couch on tour to save on accommodation fees – thanks mate!

Complete the recording and mixing $4000
Mastering $1100
Album artwork & design $400
Press, print, manufacture CDs $2000
Press, print, manufacture Vinyl $2000
Travel and accommodation on tour $1500
Marketing (Publicity and paid
Advertising in print, online and radio) $5000

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TOTAL* $16,000
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* Includes Pozible target of $8K plus MATCH funding from Creative Partnerships Australia- an additional $8K.

REMEMBER - every pledge amount has a corresponding reward and they range from $15- $1000 to suit virtually any budget!

If we don't reach the target of $8,000, none of the money will be captured and the pledges will not go through. This will also risk our MATCH funding from Creative Partnerships Australia- all the more reason to pledge!

The album is proposed for release in October/November 2016. A lack of funds could mean delays in releasing the album and a much more limited promotional campaign.

I do not see any obstacles to success if we reach our target and receive the funding. All the dominos are lined up to make sure this project has the most impact. I am excited to bring you my best work to date!