the new album is becoming quite the endeavor for me. we just finished recording drums down in gainesville florida at black bear audio maul with the very talented zachery randell on drums. here’s some photos from a fun weekend studio session.
now all that’s left is mixing and mastering.
-marc
shh it’s a secret. just did a photo shoot for the artwork on the upcoming to all my dear friends’ album. here’s a sneak peek.
don’t tell anyone. it’s a secret.
-marc
Where has To All My Dear Friends been for the last 4 months? No touring. No album release. No site updates. So what has been going on? Don’t worry! There has been plenty of bustle.
Remember awhile back when we wrote about the concept of busking, or street performing? Marc has taken it to a whole new level this year. First he upgraded his gear, which included creating his own portable and rechargeable power source (we hope to write about this soon in an upcoming article). Then, with little to no rehearsing, Marc journeyed to the streets to create all new performances. Not only was everything performed live but Marc also chose to create entirely new music, often times completely improvised in the moment.
“Creating sound on the street is very special and unique. It’s composing a soundtrack in realtime. My muse is downtown Asheville. In the beginning I found that I had to do a lot of recreating from scratch. I needed to customize my violin tone in a way that wouldn’t work on the stage. And vice versa, my stage effects wouldn’t work on the street. Or it’s not that they wouldn’t work, it’s just that I found certain things to work better.”
Performing on the street is more than just developing perspective and creativity. There’s quite a bit of opportunity for exposure and financial gain. “I was about halfway done with the new To All My Dear Friends’ album and I ran out of money. It’s always been a DIY effort for me. Probably due to the fact that I grew up poor and also because I have an insane work ethic. Little resources is what I’m used to. Find a way to make things happen and then do it. Period. So I hit the streets, and I hit them hard. It’s crowd funding without a computer!”
There’s almost a month of studio time invested in the new album, recorded in both Ohio and Florida. Plus a vinyl and CD release is slated for next year. Be sure to keep an eye out for updates on the new album. If you’re not signed up for the newsletter, than you should do it here. With tourist season coming to an end in the Appalachian Valley, Marc will dedicate this winter to finishing the album, composing a soundtrack for an upcoming film, and refining his sound for some big activity next year.
To All My Dear Friends released their first self-titled album on August 15th 2009.
The artwork for the cover was created with photography taken by Marc Hennessey.
The back cover of the self-titled album is an enlarged frame from the front.
The second album Transparent Voyages was released on March 18th 2011.
The artwork for Transparent Voyages was designed by artist David McKirdy.
The stunning cover art was created through a process involving paint, rust and magnets.
The back cover of Transparent Voyages is similar to the front.
But looking closely you can see that this image is much different from the front cover.
What’s in store for To All My Dear Friends’ next album artwork?
We will just have to wait and see.
Seriously! The title says it all. Transparent Voyages will be available worldwide this Friday March 18th. Plus if you happen to be in Gainesville, Florida on Friday:
Come out to our Album Release Party at The Atlantic!
Check out the details here on Facebook
And for everyone else, don’t you worry. You have two options:
1) Buy the album online from Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, emusic, etc.
2) Come see us live at one of the many shows happening around the country. Check out the details on the Tour page, updated daily with new locations. To All My Dear Friends will be traveling all through the Eastern United States over the next few months!
Decided to post a cliche cheesy picture of the first box being opened. You know what this means right? (Besides the fact that I over joyously wet my pants)
Preorders shipping out soon!
Wow. Can you believe it? We did it! Here is the thank you letter from Marc on Kickstarter.com:
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
A few months ago a friend of mine told me about a unique website. He said that people go to this website to donate money for artists in need. I should check it out he said. Yeah sure… I’ll look into it, maybe.
In the last two years of performing my music live, I’ve seen the goodness in people. These people come up to me after shows speaking of the strong emotions they experienced through my performance. Tears in their eyes, they try to explain their feelings. These people show me their goodness, through love & support.
Thank you to every person that pledged. Thank you to every person that posted this fundraiser on your Facebook & Twitter feeds. Thank you to every person who forwarded an email to a friend.
I want you all to know that this is only the beginning of To All My Dear Friends. And you, with all your love & support, were part of it.
Sincerely with all my heart,
-Marc Hennesseyp.s. See you soon on tour!
There’s only one week left for our fundraiser on Kickstarter. And if you didn’t know:
THIS IS AN ALL OR NOTHING FUNDRAISER. WE ONLY RECEIVE THE MONEY IF WE REACH OUR GOAL.
That’s right. If we don’t reach our goal of $3500, we don’t see any money. Kickstarter implemented this rule so that your money isn’t “wasted” on underfunded projects and artists don’t have to finish projects with less money than needed. So please help us reach our goal.
Time is running out!
Here it is folks. For your ears’ enjoyment. “Japan To Kenya & Back” from the new album Transparent Voyages.
You can listen to it in the music player to the top right.
Or you can even download it here:
http://toallmydearfriends.com/TAMDF-JapanToKenya.mp3
Hope you enjoy!
We have a 30 day fundraiser going on to raise money needed to print the new release, Transparent Voyages. You can pre-order the album, among other goodies. Please help out if you can. And spread the word to everyone!