Hello Friends,
Been working on a new album for a while now. Finished most of the studio time needed – the four dates we have scheduled in April should do it. Expect to have masters end of May 2026. My full crew on this album:
Singing Sands Studio: Portland Oregon
Tobias Berblinger (Kassi Valazza): Engineer, Co-producer
Jon Neufeld: Mastering
MUSICIANS
Jesse Emerson (Casey Neill band, The Decemberists): Upright bass on all songs
Samantha Parton (Be Good Tanyas): Backing vocals
Jon Neufeld (Martha Scanlan): Archtop acoustic
Paul Brainard (Richmond Fontaine): Pedal steel
Eamon McLoughlin (Emmylou Harris, and Grand Ole Optry house fiddler): Fiddle
Lincoln Durham: Slide guitar
Zak Borden: Mandolin
Scott MX Turner: Drums
Keith Lowe: Upright bass (the higher bowed bass on Bluebird)
Ray Frazier (Portugal the Man, David Byrne): Backing vocals
Me: Co-producer, acoustic guitar, lead vocals
Tobias and I are so thrilled with how this album is sounding. For the first time ever, I recorded to 2-inch tape, like they used to before everything went digital, and the result is magic. It's that warm honey amber sound of yore. I'm also at the helm in a way I haven't been since Bootlegger's Daughter. Which is why we're over-budget lol. I got in a lot of tracks early on that just didn't curl my toes, so I chucked ‘em and hired different players – not because those first tracks or players were bad, it's just that the sounds weren't quite what I'd had in mind.
Because I'm about $3k over my original budget, I'm asking folks to pre-order or contribute if they haven't already. My total income from music last year was $193.60. When I started out, my music income (outside of gigs) was about 10k a year. But streaming has obliterated sales. Which is sad – I hate to think of talented songwriters and all the songs we'll never hear because there's no way to recoup the $10-20k a professional album costs.
At any rate, the total album cost on this one is $12,748. To date, pre-orders and donations total $7886, leaving $4862 needed to cover expenses. If you are in a position to pre-order or donate, it is a HUGE HELP and I thank you from the bottom of my very grateful heart. I can write all the songs I want here in my little office slash songwriting space upstairs in the converted attic of my old house, but the only way to get them out into the world in a way that sounds the best is by making albums. Thank you for making that possible!! xo
Your fan,
Rachel
Fundraising Packages & Thank You Gifts
Fan
$10 or more: Digital copies of the albums before the official release date
Backstage
$30 or more: An autographed copy of Cowboy Elegy and a copy of LGMH before the official release date.
Roadie
$100 or more: All above PLUS an album t-shirt and your name on album liner notes.
Tour Manager
$250 or more: All above PLUS a printed 8.5x11 booklet of lyrics with stories behind the song, PLUS a one-hour online concert. Pick the date and time and send me all your song requests; I’ll livestream and play your setlist!
Executive Producer
$1000 or more: Your choice of the above gifts PLUS your name on the album as Executive Producer. PLUS my eternal gratitude. PLUS up to 20 cds.
PayPal: https://www.paypal.biz/RachelLynHarrington
Venmo: @Rachel-Lyn-Harrington
Check: Rachel Harrington, 504 NW 45th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Also - if you're interested in other ways to help, join us at the closed Fb group so you can hear the rough mixes from the studio and vote on your favorites. That will help me in sequencing the songs for the album. www.facebook.com/groups/853665177151156