Tommy's #1 SHANIA TWAIN SuperSite Message Board

Music has been with me all my life. When I moved down to Nashville right after high school, I was fortunate enough to sign with a major label. I had a great run during my 18 years with them, but as with most labels, the songs chosen to make a record were always determined by someone else deciding whether they were a “hit” or not. I would hear from the public what they’d like to see on my records and when I reported back, it seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Now that I'm off the label and have the ability to make any record I want, I’d like to take a different route. I want to give the public a chance to be heard. This time I want to make a record WITH you, in addition to making one FOR you. Kickstarter is the perfect platform. It allows me to change the way things have traditionally been done in my career for years. It’s totally exciting!

However, Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing deal, so you guys play a crucial role in the end result of this album. Because, as anyone who has ever tried to do something “big” knows, it takes a lot of people to make it happen. Our goal is to raise at least $100,000 in 30 days, and I’d love for you to support me.

I’m so excited about you being a part of the album-making process, and I’m really looking forward to this new way of making music. Through Kickstarter, we can make the music you want, because you’ll be a part of it!

This album is truly for you, the people who appreciate the creative process, as well as my amazing fans. There’s no question, I wouldn’t be where I am today without your love and support. You’ve been with me since the beginning, and I’m in need of your support now more than ever. This album is a fresh start for me, and I want us to go on this exciting journey together.

So…how will the money raised through Kickstarter be used? Well, all of the money will go toward paying for studio time (ouch!), musicians, engineers, engineer assistants, production assistants, cartage, background vocalists, lead vocal recording days, overdubs, utility musicians, equipment rental, recording, mixing, mastering, and any other crazy little things that have seemed to slip my mind at this moment. It takes A LOT of people and expense to make a record that you guys want to hear. It’s not cheap, let me tell ya. And, if you guys are so incredible that we go over $100,000, all the extra money will be used in continuing support of the record, including promotion, marketing, advertising, product placement, and every other expense it takes to get the completed album out to the public. The album is set to release this September if we meet our funding goal.

I am unbelievably excited about this album. It will be sooo good! For the first time, you’ll get a peek into how I make music. There won’t be anyone standing over my shoulder, telling me what I can and can’t do (that is, unless you decide to show up in the studio ).

This album is unique because there are no creative limits. It’s such a great feeling!! We’ve been hard at work writing and arranging songs for the record in hopes that we can voice what you want to hear. I feel strongly that there will be something on the record for everyone. Some songs have a pop edge, some lean rock, others are straight-forward country, and even a bluegrass tune. I’m still coming from the same strong opinionated place but, I also will show another side that some see as vulnerable and others see as encouraging. We’ve been trying out a lot of new songs live at my shows, and the ones you guys love are the ones going on the album! You’ve, in one way or another, (Live responses, Facebook / Twitter comments, Stageit reviews, showcase feedback) chosen each of these tracks! I can’t say it enough—this album is for you.

Helping me make this record are many of the musicians who have been on my records throughout my career. The core group of guys are as follows:

Lonnie Wilson – Drums: Lonnie is rock solid and understands my funny explanations of how I hear the grooves, loops, fills, etc. Left on his own, he is a master.

Mike Brignadello – Bass: Again, a solid guy. He and Lonnie gel so well. I like Mike’s bass parts because they aren't always what's typical or expected. He’s a bit on the edgy side, where I like things to be.

Steve Nathan – Keys: Steve has been around for a long time and knows any style of music I throw in his direction. I select him to be band leader a lot because he can hear through my "not-so-good" demo tapes I put together. He hears the chords that aren't there. 

Brent Mason – Electric guitar: He has played on all my hits. His fingers glide over the guitar. I sit and listen to him come up with solos and fills and it's like watching a world-class distance runner. Effortless. Graceful. And his creativity, on the spot, always blows me away.

B. James – Acoustic guitar: I think his first gig with me was when someone didn't show up to record "Bring On the Rain." That guitar part is recognized from the moment the intro starts. He is creative and a very solid musician.

I’ll also be calling in other musicians for overdubs and additional parts after the foundation for each song is laid in. But the guys above are my rock, baby!

If you peek over to the right, you’ll find some incredible rewards we’ve put together for you if you choose to become a backer. Like, oh, I don’t know, I could be coming over to your house to make dinner!!! I love it!  All backers will get access to exclusive content (photos, videos, song sneak-peeks, progress updates). And all my fans, backer or no, will get to vote on the album artwork via my Facebook page. You can even submit your own artwork to be considered in the running!

HERE’S MY TOUR SCHEDULE! Come see me in concert to hear some of the new songs that might be on the album! We’ll be adding more shows—check out my website for the most up-to-date list! 

Jun 7: CMA Fest, Nashville, TN
Jun 8: Portfest, Newport, AR
Jun 14: Porterfield Country Music Festival, Marinette, WI
Jun 15: Kick’n Up Kountry Music Festival, Karlstad, WI
Jun 18: Opryland Hotel (Private), Nashville, TN
Jun 22: Choctaw Resort Casino, Durant, OK
Jun 29: Indian Ranch, Webster, MA
Jul 12: Texas Music Theater, San Marcos, TX
Jul 13: Dosey Doe, The Woodlands, TX
Jul 20: Hollywood Casino, Bay Saint Louis, MS
Jul 26: Violet Festival, Pickerington, OH
Jul 27: Alexander City Sportsplex, Alexander City, AL
Aug 2: Antelope County Fair, Neligh, NE
Aug 7: Tanner Park, Copiague, NY
Aug 9: Jam At The Ridge, Le Roy, NY
Aug 10: Mason County Fair, Point Pleasant, WV
Aug 11: Music Box Theatre at Hersheypark, Hershey, PA
Aug 17: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL
Aug 24: Vernon County Fairgrounds, Viroqua, WI
Sep 1: The West Virginia Italian Heritage, Clarksburg, WV
Sep 7: Marion Popcorn Festival, Marion, OH
Sep 21: Kern County Fairgrounds, Bakersfield, CA
Sep 28: Colorado County Fair, Columbus, TX
Oct 3: Gold Eagle Casino, North Battleford, Canada
Oct 4: Living Sky Casino, Swift Current, Canada
Oct 5: Painted Hand Casino, Yorkton, Canada
Oct 6: Kerry Vickar Centre, Melfort, Canada
Oct 8: Spurs Cookhouse and Dance Hall, Grande Prairie, Canada
Oct 10: Cook County Saloon, Edmonton, Canada
Oct 11: Eagle River Casino, Whitecourt, Canada
Oct 12: Casino Regina Show Lounge, Regina, Canada
Oct 13: McPhillips Station Casino, Winnipeg, Canada
Oct 26: Madeleine Hotel (Private), Telluride, CO
Dec 21: Casino Miami Jai Alai, Miami, FL
Jan 19: Country Music Cruise, Fort Lauderdale, FL

I’m sooooo excited for this opportunity we have to make a record together. If you could pledge anything to this project, that’d be awesome…you won’t be disappointed! You have meant so much to me over the years, and I pray that you will continue to support me now. So please join me—it’s gonna be a hell of a ride! Wahoooo !!!

My time. Our music.

Thank you so much,

XOXO
Jo Dee

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2010853438/jo-dee-messinas-new-album