Andrew Boscardin: Composer & Guitarist newsletter

Good News, Everyone!

After over a year of writing, rehearsing, performing and recording, Zubatto Syndicate's first record is here. Mostly.

I have decided to release the record digitally first, as a way to generate some word of mouth and to hopefully raise the funds to cover the production of the physical CDs and LPs.

Head on over to

Happy November, friends... what? Really? When did that happen? Okay, Happy December!

Oh well. It's been a super busy few months finishing up the Zubatto Syndicate record but the end is in sight! The recording has been mixed and will be mastered in the next few weeks. Work on the artwork and packaging is moving along and I'm hoping to have pre-order information posted early next month. Which is January. I believe you.

Newsonians!

Welcome to October, AKA Rocktober. This is going to be a busy month for me and for Zubatto Syndicate, as we head into the studio to record our first record. Thanks to all of you, we raised a walloping $5000 on Kickstarter to get the project started. Without your support, there is no way we could make this recording happen without Faustian bargains or stolen alien technology. If you missed out on the Kickstarter campaign, there will be ways to help support the record in the near future. We're on track, but will still need some help to push it out the door next year.

Hello Newsfans,

Kickstarter video update.

Since the last time we spoke, the Zubatto Syndicate Kickstarter Campaign has reached and exceeded its initial target, thanks to the generous support of (at the time of this post) 71 awesome donors. To put that into perspective, I raised less than half that amount for my last CD through 40 donors. So we're doing great, both in total dollars and the number of participants. The latter is the best part, because that means this music will reach all of those people when it is finished and recorded.

That's the good news. The BETTER news is that it is not too late to pledge to the project and make sure that you get your name in the liner notes, a copy of the record on CD, vinyl or download as soon as it is released, or to sign up for any of the other cool rewards packages available. By signing up before the funding deadline on September 1st, you'll also get access to backer-only updates on Kickstarter including reports from the studio, and exclusive music and video. I've got some really fun stuff planned and it starts rolling out for supporters on September 2nd.

The total budget for this recording is about 3 times what we have raised so far. Every dollar we generate through Kickstarter in the next 2 days goes directly to helping make this project a reality - by paying recording and production costs, engineer fees, and more. If you are interested in hearing this recording when it is finished, this is the best way to preorder it. You'll get the most value for the money you spend and it will go further to cover our expenses than it will after production.

I really need as many supporters as possible to contribute any amount - even $1 helps.

If we can get to 100 donors or surpass $5000 before the Kickstarter deadline on September 1st, that will go a huge way to making this project happen and to making the first Zubatto Syndicate record a success.

Check out the Zubatto Syndicate Kickstarter Project Page.

For more info, here are the blog posts of the last month, which was officially the month of the Zubatto Syndicate Capitol Campaign.

* Here are 8 Reasons why you should still consider contributing in these last few hours.

* A Birthday Wish. 38 for 38:
* The Final Countdown:
* Some other cool Kickstarter Projects. Kickstart my Art:
* Holding out for YOU. Hero Week!

* The Many Rewards of the Great Zubatto Syndicate Capital Campaign Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six

Kickstarter Updates:
* Update 1
* Update 2
* Update 3

Please help if you can. I think you'll be happy that you did. This record is going to be awesome.

See you in October with an update on recording!

And now some video inspiration!

You're Zubatto's only hope!

Hello Ve-News-ians!

August is my favorite month of the year, for many reasons. It brings my birthday, for one, and the weather in Seattle is so fantastic. But mostly it's the birthday part, to be honest.

It seems fitting that I get to share the most exciting news with you during my favorite month. Zubatto Syndicate is making a record! And not just any record, but a complete and huge listening experience that will cause your speakers to combust (any actual speaker combustion is coincidental) and maybe some heads to explode (no liability there either). The studio is booked, everyone is on board, the music is getting better and better with each performance - we are going to knock this thing out the park. Maybe out of the Solar System.

And we want you to help us with the knocking. Or the swinging. Or something with the baseball metaphor. Help us make a record!

We've partnered with the fund-raising website Kickstarter.com to raise money for the initial recording costs for the record. With Kickstarter, you can pledge any amount of money to the project - even $1 - and if we meet the goal by the deadline on September 1st, we get to make a record and you get something back for your support. $1 or more gets you a "Thanks" in the liner notes. $10 gets you a download of the finished album, $20 gets you a download and a signed CD. There's limited edition vinyl, T-shirts, Executive Producer credits, even a private CD Release Party.

Along the way, there will be updates from the rehearsals and the recording studio on the Kickstarter site, plus exclusive content (videos, audio, maybe an exclusive tune, who knows?) just for supporters, and more. As a partner in the project, you'll really get to be a fly on the wall for the entire process.

Please take 4 minutes and 46 seconds to watch the video (there's a cat!), and consider making a pledge of any amount that seems fair and appropriate, even $1. Every dollar really does help. In the first 10 days of the campaign, we've already reached 63% of our goal, which is truly amazing. Now we need you for that last 37% (and maybe beyond).

View the Kickstarter video here: http://kck.st/dcZ7N9
Thanks in advance for your support!

Some recent blog hits, mostly having to do with the subject of fund-raising:

* A wrap-up of our recent show at Sounds Outside, including pictures and hastily edited video. http://www.boscology.com/d/node/704

* An appeal to small donors.
http://www.boscology.com/d/node/703

* The last letter to the Nickel & Brass Debut CD Club
http://www.boscology.com/d/node/702

And some recent press for Sounds Outside:

* The Seattle Times says we're "unafraid to foray into the modern pop idiom." That's right - we'll foray wherever we want! http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/musicnightlife/2012368246_sounds16...

* The SunBreak thought we were a worthwhile way to spend your Saturday afternoon. http://thesunbreak.com/2010/07/16/artsy-stuff-to-do-this-weekend

* The Seattle Weekly calls us "sprawling and multi-layered." Sort of like the budget for a Big Band record. http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2010/07/tonight_brite_futures_at_n...

That's it for August! See you back here in September, when we will (with your help) have a fully funded Kickstarter project, plus some show announcements.

I'll leave you with this, to help inspire your support of the first Zubatto Syndicate record!

What's Summer without these guys?

Happy July, Newsies!

This month is going to be action-packed for Zubatto Syndicate. We'll be playing the first day of the Sounds Outside festival at Cal Anderson Park on July 17th. We go on at 4pm, but the whole day is free, so come down and hear some fantastic music. I'm thrilled to be a part of this festival and not just because I can walk to the gig. I've been a fan of the festival myself for years and have attended as often as possible. It's such a gift just to have live music in Cal Anderson during the Summer, and to have it be as adventurous and high-quality as the organizers have succeeded in presenting year after year is a real joy.

And did someone say "new song?" They probably did. New song.

You can see the whole line-up and schedule here: Sounds Outside

WHAT: Zubatto Syndicate at Sounds Outside
WHEN: July 17th, 4pm
WHERE: Cal Anderson Park, Seattle
HOW MUCH: Free!

Speaking of Sounds Outside, this is the 5th year for the festival and it has been growing each year by leaps and bounds. This year, the organizers have run into a tougher time raising funds in the current economic climate and some previous sponsors have been unable to come through. This festival depends solely on community support through grants and donations and they need your help!

If you can, please consider giving a few dollars to Sounds Outside. It's a truly good cause and goes right to making the performances possible.

You can donate here:Sounds Outside Online Benefit

** More news **

Due to some last-minute scheduling stuff, I've pushed back the dates for my Summer Composition Workshop to August 9th. There's still room, so if you're interested or know anyone interested, send them my way!

http://www.teachstreet.com/seattle-wa/music-composition/summer-workshop/cl-eliqpi4oyo

"Four-Color Heroes!" is now pay-what-you-want on Bandcamp! Download the album for any amount, ranging from free to more-than-free, whatever your conscience dictates. You can get the CD for anything from $1 up (plus shipping). Tell your friends.

Download it now on Bandcamp!

The last bit of July news is that more news is imminent, but not quite ready to be announced. Look for a big (12-piece big) announcement later in the month, probably right after the show on the 17th. Mystery and anticipation are good things, right? Right.

** Some quick hits from my blog **

* A Tee Party (sic) for 10 lucky Zubatto Syndicate fans.

* On the occasion of joining the local Musicians' Union.

* David Byrne, Zubatto and Writing Music for Specific Venues.

* Have you seen the T.A.M.I. Show? Well, go rent it. It's a legendary concert film from 1964 that lives up to its reputation in every way. Live performances from the Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, the Rolling Stones, the Miracles and some guy in a cape named James Brown who has the ability to travel 46 years forward through time and make the hair on the back of your neck stand all the way UP. Also, ridiculous "teen" dancing from 1964.

More about the T.A.M.I. Show

That's it for July! Hope to see you at Sounds Outside in a couple of weeks!

Happy June Everyone! Or (if you are in Seattle), Happy Junuary. Hopefully it will be Summer here before it is Winter again.

The big news is that I'm working on preparations for Zubatto Syndicate to go into the studio later this year and make our very first album. As you might imagine, coordinating such an endeavor with a 12-piece band is a little complicated. There will be much more about the recording process next month, but I'm really excited to get this music down and out there to all of you.

In the meantime, there is still plenty of excitement going on.

** Workshop! **
If you are in the Seattle area, I'm going to be giving a workshop on composing, harmony, theory, and who-knows-what-else. It's going to be very hands-on and interactive, with an emphasis on participants' own projects. If you are interested, or know someone who might want to further their musical craft, you can read more here:

http://www.teachstreet.com/seattle-wa/music-composition/summer-workshop/...

The day/time is not set in stone, so get in touch if you'd like to hear more but don't like the scheduling. If this works out, I'm hoping to do more of these, maybe online with Ustream or something similar.

** Zubatto in the Park (like Shakespeare, only louder) **
Also for Seattle folks: Zubatto will be playing on July 17th at Cal Anderson Park, as part of the Sounds Outside Festival. We play at 4pm, but there will be great music all day, so come check it out. I hear it might be sunny too.

** Zubatto Syndicate on Facebook **
Zubatto has a Facebook page which you can like or be a fan of or completely ignore. Right now, there isn't much happening, but it should be hopping soon. Jump on board.
http://www.facebook.com/zubattosyndicate

** Some quick hits **

* My thoughts on the late, great Ronnie James Dio.
http://www.boscology.com/d/node/612

* Did you miss our performance on Seattle Channel's Front Row? It's online here:
http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=6010916

That's it for June! See you back here next month.

best,
-andrew boscardin
http://www.boscology.com/d/

Hello News Fans,

I hope this finds you all well and enjoying whatever weirdo weather Spring is tossing your way. Perhaps you are reading this on your new iPad, or maybe you still get my newsletter delivered by carrier pigeon. Whatever your delivery method of choice, this month's news boils down to one word: Crocodile.

In just one week, Zubatto Syndicate will begin its infiltration of Seattle's rock establishment, at the site of a most elite and legendary venue. Whether this is the beginning of a full-on invasion, or just a one-time incursion across the borders of a neighboring musical fiefdom remains to be seen. It is in your hands.

Tickets are on sale here:
http://thecrocodile.com/index.html?page=calendar&event=3580773

I am incredibly excited about this show. If you don't know us, or missed our inaugural performance in November, Zubatto Syndicate is a 12-piece group that combines big band jazz with rock, funk, hip-hop and whatever else we can cram in there. We are extremely fortunate to be joined by the Owcharuk 5, hot off of the release of their new CD "Kobzar," and Water Babies, hot off of being damn funky. This is going to be a great show and one you don't want to miss. Please, we even have a "Tax Day" surprise in the bag, a one-time-only tune which you'll only get to hear at this show (unless we book something on April 15 next year).

If you are in Seattle, come to this show. If you are not in Seattle, come to this show. Or at least tell some of your Seattle friends.

WHAT: Zubatto Syndicate, Owcharuk 5 and Water Babies
WHEN: April 15, 2010. Doors at 8pm.
WHERE: The Crocodile, 2200 2nd Avenue
HOW MUCH: $8 adv/ $10 day of show

Zubatto Syndicate is:
Byron Vannoy – drums
Chris Stover – trombone
Greg Sinibaldi – bass clarinet and tenor saxophone
Francine Peterson – bassoon
Chad McCullough – trumpet
Janet Putnam– oboe and English horn
Tim Carey – bass
Mack Grout – keys
Clark Gibson – alto saxophone
Jim DeJoie – baritone saxophone
Jesse Canterbury – clarinet
Andrew Boscardin – guitar

I hope to see you there!

best,
-andrew boscardin

http://www.boscology.com/d/

Seeing yourself on TV is fun!

Happy March Newsies!

Exciting news and announcements abound, so let's get to it.

* Zubatto Syndicate at the Crocodile, 4/15. Seattle friends, mark your calendars for April 15th. Okay, mark your calendars a second time for April 15th under the skull and crossbones. Zubatto Syndicate will be playing Seattle's legendary Crocodile along with Owcharuk 5 and Water Babies. This is one show not to be missed! You can stop by on your way from the Post Office. Doors at 8pm. $8/adv, $10/day of show.
Tickets: http://thecrocodile.com/index.html?page=calendar&event=3580773

* Zubatto on TV (on the internet). Zubatto Syndicate's debut performance in November was recently broadcast on the Seattle Channel's Front Row. Now you can enjoy the experience of having Zubatto in your very own living room, without scrambling to find enough folding chairs or ticking off the neighbors.
http://www.seattlechannel.org/schedule/programDetails.asp?title=6010916

* Zubatto Syndicate has a website. Still looking for a posse. Apply here. http://zubattosyndicate.com/

* Hard to believe, but it was one year ago that "Four-Color Heroes!" was released, thanks in no small part to all of your support. To celebrate, you can buy a copy of the CD, plus download, from Bandcamp for one American dollar plus shipping, with coupon code BIRTHDAY (until 3/20/2010). http://www.boscology.com/d/node/546

* Are you on Twitter? Follow me for news, updates, links and what I'm making for lunch. http://twitter.com/abosco

That's it for this month. More news next month, including a couple of big announcements and more urgent pleading to finish your taxes early so you can make it to the Crocodile!

best,
-andrew boscardin

http://www.boscology.com/d/

Hello again and whoops!

Somehow I managed to send out my December newsletter with a bunch of unrendered HTML in it. Magic? Probably not. Pilot error? Getting warmer.

In any case, here is a link to the newsletter on my website. Much easier to read.

http://www.boscology.com/d/node/519

Sorry for the multiple emails. Happy Holidays!
-andrew boscardin

http://www.boscology.com/d/