It has seemingly been a thousand miles since Moncton country-roots musician Jason Haywood started the process of making his latest record, A Thousand Miles Since Yesterday. The long awaited record, Haywood’s first since 2008’s Nothing Stays The Same, was completed in 2010 and though a number of factors conspired against Haywood which have delayed the release of the album, he is hopeful that a Rockethub.com fundraising campaign will help give the record the proper release it deserves.
With a who’s who guest list of musicians from Atlantic Canada including Rose Cousins and Dale Murray, Haywood’s new album stands to be among the best to be released in Atlantic Canada this year.
Fan-funded album campaigns are becoming increasingly popular in today’s day and age. Other Moncton musicians including Haywood’s former band The Divorcees (who he remains friendly with) and Christian artist Naomi Streimer have undertaken similar campaigns over the past six months.
Typically, recording, mixing and mastering a record is what truly costs the big bucks. But considering Haywood’s album is complete, his fundraising goal in his Rockethub campaign is a rather modest one at $3,000.
Haywood says that the funds he receives via his campaign will allow him the opportunity to have a publicist work with him in order to maximize his exposure in Atlantic Canada as well as the rest of the country.
Although any donations are welcomed, a variety of “perks” accompany various donation amounts in Haywood’s campaign. For instance, any person donating $50 will receive autographed copies of Haywood’s two compact discs in addition to two previously unreleased tracks. A donation of $250 offers the autographed compact disc but also includes a songwriting session with Haywood as well as a night on the town with the singer-songwriter.
From his Moncton home, Haywood says that while he is hopeful that he will meet his goal of raising $3,000, A Thousand Miles Since Yesterday will see the light of day regardless. But at a time in the music business where every scrap of publicity can make or break an artist’s career, Haywood wants to give his record the attention that he feels it deserves.
“I really want to give the record a proper release,” he starts. “It is something that I just don’t want to throw out there and hope for the best. The Rockethub campaign is aimed to help offset some of the costs such as hiring a publicist to work the record for up to six months.”
As of press date, approximately 15 days remain in Haywood’s campaign. And while the album’s release date is still to be confirmed, Haywood plans on celebrating his newest album with shows in Moncton, Halifax and throughout the Maritimes.
“I really want to approach things in a modest way and will probably start off by doing a number of shows through the Maritimes once the record is finally released in stores,” Haywood says, noting that A Thousand Miles Since Yesterday is currently available for purchase on iTunes Canada.
“I definitely do not want to bite off more than I can chew. I fully realize that I am starting over in terms of building a fan base and am really looking forward to getting back on stage and playing for people.”
To donate funds towards Jason Haywood’s Rockethub Campaign, visit his website at www.jasonhaywood.com Upon landing on the site, visitors will see a link on the right hand side where they are able to make donations.
Article published in June 1, 2012 edition of the Times & Transcript