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Who is this guy?
With the release of his second album, Land of the Shadows, Ben Bedford “…has proven himself to be a truly inspired and talented storyteller…” according to Arthur Wood (Maverick). As a full-time artist, Bedford has played WFMT’s Folkstage (hosted by Rich Warren), The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN, as well as Izzy Young’s famed Folklore Centrum in Stockholm, Sweden. In addition, Bedford’s music has been played on National Public Radio’s Car Talk, has reached the top ten on the Folk-DJ charts with both his debut and sophomore albums and was featured in The Sounding Board, the official newsletter of the renowned C.F. Martin Guitar Company. In July of 2010, Bedford was named one of the “50 most significant Folk singer-songwriters of the past 50 years” by Rich Warren of WFMT Chicago.
Why should you help him?
He is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
Okay, maybe not reverent.
Still. He's a nice guy -- and you might like the album.
What goes into making an album?
A lot, actually.
A professionally recorded, mixed, and mastered album is costly to create, promote, and distribute. Without a record label, an artist is on his or her own to come up with the necessary funds.
Here's a brief breakdown of the expenses:
- Recording Fees (including studio time, session musicians, producer fees, engineering, mixing, and mastering): $10,000
- That Really Expensive Photographer He Married: Free (whew!)
- Duplication (including graphic design and printing of 2000 CDs): $4000
- Promotion to U.S. and European radio (including postage): $9000
None of this includes the endless miscellaneous fees that go into creating an album (fancy fountain pens, paper, coffee, beer, therapy, etc.), but you get the idea. It can all add up pretty quickly, leaving an artist to choose between making a living -- and making an album.
So, if you like the idea of being directly responsible for bringing an album to life...and you can help, please do!
Other Ways You Can Help
There are other ways to help -- besides cold, hard cash (and hugs). You can always spread the word by sharing this page via your favorite social networking site, via email, or in real life. You know. Like regular talking! Every little effort helps!
