Hello all!
Stephen Evans here. The True Grits, and I are raising money to record, mix, master, and release our new album, which will be called "Buzz of Bees." This will be our 3rd album release, but this one is extra special because we are doing it all in a real professional studio in Asheville, NC called Side House Records to make this record sound as great as possible.
We already have all of the drums, bass and some guitar parts recorded. Now we just have to add the rest of the instrumentation to complete the recording process. I have estimated the rest of the cost to get it all done is around $6500. ( $3200 for recording and paying guest musicians, $2300 for mixing, and $1000 for mastering, I will provide at least $500 and I hope to raise $6000 more to complete the funding. Anyone who contributes $10 or more, will receive a download of the new album, and other merchandise like past albums and T-shirts in relation to the amount of their support if they want. No contribution is too small or large. :) Everyone who contributes and lets us know their name will get credit on the album notes!
A little information about the album: This will be an 11-song album we are aiming to release in the Spring of 2022 which is appropriate to the the subject matter of the title track "Buzz of Bees." The True Grits consist of my friends: Brian Shoemaker on bass/vocals, Woodstock on mandolin, and Sam Hess on drums. Guest musicians will be more friends: Kate Bryant on violin, Aaron Price on Keyboards, and Derrick Johnson on trombone (though this isn't confirmed, I believe he would be happy to). Engineering will be mostly done by Julian Dreyer, and possibly some done by Lee Allen. Mastering will be done by Adam Matza of Magic Ears Mastering .
Thank you in advance to all that contribute!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Stephen
What a day Sunday was!!
A mega-productive day at Side House Records!
Sound engineer extraordinaire, Julian Dreyer, and I got the day started by finishing up my guitar parts on 5 songs. Then I finally added my lead vocals to the mix of all 11 songs! It felt so good to get all of those tracks down!
The best part of the day was adding Kate Bryant's violin parts on 5 tracks. She absolutely smoked that recording session! I just can't wait for you all to hear what she did! Incredible stuff!
Now we just have to add keyboards, backing vocals, and Trombone (1 song), and recording will be done.
Next is mixing, mastering, manufacturing, and RELEASE!
It's not too late to be a part of something special! Support the making and release of our album while reserving your own copy and getting your name listed in the album credits!
You can contribute here: GoFundMe Link
Thanks to all that have contributed so far! You are making this happen!
Much love!
Stephen Evans & the True Grits
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Stephen Evans returns to Black Mountain Brewing Co. in Black Mountain, NC for a solo show on Saturday, May 21st! Join him on the lovely patio for some original tunes and brew!
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On Sunday, May 22nd, in West Asheville, NC, join Stephen Evans for Sunday Sessions at Archetype Brewing Co., 3-6pm
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Catawba Brewing Co. South Slope AVL, 32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC
Stephen Evans & the True Grits return to Catawba Brewing Co. - South Slope AVL for their first show of 2022 on Friday, May 27th, 7-10pm!
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Stephen Evans returns to Mad Co. Brew House in Marshall, NC for a solo show, 6-9pm.
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Stephen Evans & The True Grits w/ Kate Bryant return to The Grey Eagle's outdoor patio stage on SAT 7/2 at 6pm! It's an ALL AGES show, doors open at 5pm. – 5PM DOORS / 6PM SHOW – ALL AGES – OUTDOOR PATIO SHOW – LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED COVID-19 POLICY: The Grey Eagle requires all patrons attending performances to provide proof of vaccination or negative test within 48 hours prior to the event. Currently Buncombe Co. mandates that masks be worn indoors. THIS MEANS YOU NEED TO MASK UP. Patrons will need to provide physical or digital documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test. Professional negative test results must be dated no more than 48 hours prior to the event. At-home testing will not be accepted. STEPHEN EVANS AND THE TRUE GRITS After many years of vacillating between being a professional musician and building a nest in Asheville, Stephen Evans asked the True Grits to form and make some music together. Then in June of 2015, Stephen Evans & the True Grits released their debut LP, “Something to Bleed”, and in 2017, their EP, “Under the Bridge”. Both records received local and regional praise for its passion and creativity. The True Grits are Brian Shoemaker (bass/vocals), Sam Hess (drums) and Woodstock (mandolin) who add complimentary color as well as solid driving rhythm. Stephen’s strong melodic songwriting style is a blend of creative imagery of darkness and hopeful optimism. There is no denying the passion that shines through with powerful vocals and lyrics. Songs like ‘The Garden’, ‘Cherokee Hills’, ‘1000 Roses’ and ‘Shining Star’ are beacons of his folk rock songcraft. With local radio play on WNCW 88.7, 98.1 The River, and the local online radio station, Buzz Radio Asheville, as well as shows around the Carolina region, Stephen Evans & the True Grits are becoming a local favorite. A new album is on the way for 2022 so they look to continue that trend.
$10 presale/ $12 at door
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