++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UPON HITTING THE $30,000 MARK / More thanks / The $35k challenge ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THIS IS FREAKING UNBELIEVABLE. $30,000!!!!!

I keep waiting for sufficient words to surface in me, that I might properly express the overwhelming gratitude and warmth you've all made me feel. So far, no luck. I think really there is nothing I can say that will get the job done to my liking. You are all incredible. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Also, congratulations!! Everyone who pledges $15 or more will now receive a bonus reward: a digital download of the album in acoustic demo form.

As I've said before, the more resources I'm able to muster, the more I'll be able to do for, with, near, on, and around this record. So I've got a new proposal for you, planet Earth... Another round a possible reward (for all!) if things continue to build.

IF WE REACH $35k:

I will perform a webcast concert BY the people and FOR the people. Democracy now!!!!

YOU WILL VOTE TO DECIDE:

- what songs I play (covers?! oldies?! "Dissolve" 25 times in a row?!)

- where I webcast from (Andrew's kitchen?! my bedroom?! my mom's basement?!)

- which friends I'll call on to be special guests (insert your own thrilling examples here?!)

- what I'll wear (boxing robe?! marching band uniform?! crocs?!)

SO! That's that for now... As long as you guys keep flooring me with your incredible support, I will continue to think of new things I can do to say thanks.

xoxo times a billion -Jenny

+++++++++++++++++ DAY 2: +++++++++++++++++ Holy crap! You guys are amazing! Not only did we reach $20k, we did it in about 28 hours! Thanks to your swift aid, you've earned not just the rewards initially promised you, but also a feat of pain endurance performed by Mr. Elliot Jacobson (his chest will be waxed on video FOR YOU) and a 50's pin-up style photo shoot of me by Deborah Lopez. (Personally I am more enthusiastic about the Elliot thing, but to each his or her own!)

So here is where things start to get interesting!!

I chose my goal based on a modest budget that seemed somewhat attainable (maybe). I never in my wildest dreams thought you all would support me so strongly or so quickly. I am deeply moved and find myself somewhat speechless in this department. (Good thing I figured thank you notes into the rewards!)

But as Aesop wrote in many a fable, a hustler's gotta hustle. The bottom line is, the more I am able to raise, the better I'll be able to make this record and the more cool stuff you'll be able to snag out of the deal! So following this train of thought, I'm going to add on this offer to my Kickstarter rewards:

If we reach $30,000, everyone who donates $15 or more will receive a digital download of the album demos.

People often ask me where they can find acoustic/solo recordings of my songs. I love performing my songs in arrangements for a six piece band as much as I love playing solo, but until now, I just haven't been able to offer many stripped-down recordings. I want to be able to let YOU choose which way you want to hear my songs on any given day, and I also believe that there's something truly magical about the intimacy of a guitar/vocal recording.

SO If we raise $30,000 I will record solo acoustic demos of every song on the record and if you donate $15 or more you'll receive a digital download of the album's worth of demos!!

If this goes through and you've already donated $15 or more, you're covered! You'll receive the demos no matter WHEN you pledge; it's just THAT you pledge that matters!

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday weekend!!!!

xoxo Jenny

+++++++++++++++++ MY ORIGINAL POST: +++++++++++++++++ Hi there. My name is Jenny Owen Youngs and I write songs, play guitar, and sing. I've released a couple records and am now preparing to make a new one - the difference this time around is that I'm going to make the album without the support of a label. This means I get to realize my creative vision to the fullest, but it also means that I have to shoulder the full financial responsibility.

So I've decided to partner with the good people at Kickstarter to try to raise funds for this recording project - $20,000 in 40-something days to be specific. I know that number looks pretty massive, but as recording budgets go, that is actually quite modest. Tracking, mixing, mastering, paying my band and my producer Dan Romer adds up!

You may be asking yourself, "What do I get out of helping you, Jenny?" Thankfully, there are many answers! First and foremost there is the satisfaction that comes with knowing you're supporting a worthy cause. But let me speed ahead to where you GET AWESOME THINGS in return for helping out!

A cornucopia of goods and services await you, dependent upon how much you contribute.

GOODS include but are not limited to:

-Advance copies of the album -Music available exclusively to Kickstarter donors -Tote bags and buttons and things things things -My freaking GUITAR

SERVICES include but are not limited to:

-A video of me shouting your name while standing in a picturesque location -Your outgoing voicemail message recorded by me -A skype lesson with me or Elliot Jacobson -A private pancake dinner & house concert by me for you

You can read the column on the right of the page for a full list of incentives! Every reward level includes all the incentives from the previous levels too!

If I can reach my goal by the deadline, my project will be funded and you will get stuff. If I fail to reach my goal, however, I will get nothing, you will not be charged, and you will not receive your rewards. Bitter tears shall be wept by all.

Thanks so much for checking out my Kickstarter project. I hope you'll consider helping me help you help me help you (??) ... and consider spreading the word to those people in your life who love helping and/or getting stuff!!