My Story: I have been writing, singing, performing, and producing music since I was 10-years-old. I began as a classical musician, but music is limitless, and as an artist and musical theorist, I became very interested in merging Persian music with Western sounds, including rock, jazz, and the blues.
Why Should You Support Me? In Iran, I was unable to produce my music freely, and facing probable imprisonment for my art, was forced to leave the country where I was born. I have supported myself by touring and teaching, using my ticket revenue to produce one album a year for the past eight years. Now I have two albums to produce--the most important projects of my life--and not enough funds to make them. I would like to submit these albums to music festivals, including the Grammys.
The first album, "On the String of the Tear's Bow," is the most ambitious project I have ever taken on and is the result of my collaboration with renowned visual artists Shirin Neshat and Shoja Azari. The story is about a corpse traveling from Mongolia to Eastern Europe.
The second album, "Motantan" (Grandiloquent in English), belongs to the genre of rock and was produced with grammy-winning producer Bob Brockmann, who has worked with many talented artists in the past.
I have chosen to remain independent to maintain my artistic freedom, and have never launched an online fundraiser before, so I am humbled to be in this position.
I am very grateful for the support you have given me, and any support you can give to this campaign. I would also appreciate it if you shared this campaign on your social media pages. If you would like a particular reward, leave your ideas in the comments section.
I wouldn't be here without my music. Thank you for everything.
-- Mohsen Namjoo
Fund Distribution: There are multiple fees associated with producing an album, let alone two. The amount I have requested, $40,000, covers the bare minimum. Here is what your support will fund:
● Studio Rentals
● Recording
● Production Fees
● Musician Fees
● Mixing & Mastering
● Music Videos
● Artwork
● Album Manufacturing
● Lyric Translations
● Publicity
● GoFundMe Fees
Done!