Almost one year ago, it was announced that Blake Lewis, the American Idol season 6 beatboxer, had signed with major label Republic Records.
His 3rd studio album, Portrait of a Chameleon, was due out in spring 2013. I’m not sure what happened. Maybe the single, “Your Touch” (which was used as in a Microsoft commercial) didn’t take off they way they expected and dropped him?
In any case, Blake continued to work on the project, and is planning to release it in April on his independent label, Audio Day Dream Records.
But Blake needs your help! He’s financing the record via the crowdfunding website, Pledge Music (just as his pal, Didi Benami did recently–and quickly met her goal).
If you want to pledge (I did!) surf over to Blake’s page, at this link. There’s also an introductory video posted on the age.
Blake’s message to fans:
Hello my friends,
Before anything else, I want to thank all of you — not just for being incredible fans, but for all of the support over the years. You are the reason I’ve been able to live out my dreams, so I wouldn’t have it any other way than to invite you along for the ride…
I just finished mixing and mastering my third album Portrait of a Chameleon. It’s eleven songs of pure magic. I’ve been working on this album for over a year and I couldn’t be any happier with how it sounds. From the very beginning I’ve been working on this project with no outside collaboration (labels) and being influenced only by the music that has inspired me since I started performing. This is my first independent album and my finest piece of work to date. It will be released on my own record label Audio Day Dream Records and I can’t wait for you to hear it this April!!!
Here’s where you guys get to come in to the process with me — working with PledgeMusic, I get the chance to involve you in releasing my album. It means I get to offer you all sorts of crazy goodies, and loads of interesting and unusual items when you pledge, by pre-ordering my album. I’ve been pledging for other artists and their PledgeMusic campaigns and I’ve loved it – especially getting to have an inside look into their worlds, which is a big part of the package.
When you pre-order my album you’ll get both a download of the record and a backstage look into my creative process.
Sound good?
When you pledge you automatically get access to free extras like studio footage, rough mixes, photos, crazy beatbox videos and more (and more!) to come. I’m doing this because you guys have made me what I am today and I want to be able to involve you in a much deeper way than I have ever before.
Plus, for me, it’s really fun ;)
One last note — part of your pledge will also be helping out some amazing kids at The Seattle Children’s Hospital. I’ve been singing for kids there since I started my career in 2000 and they can always use some extra joy, love and help, so please do what you can.
Come take a journey with me…
Love, Peace and Beats!
Blake
Blake was one of the first of the Idol contestants to re-arrange covers in the competition into something new and exciting. Who could forget his completely re-worked version of Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” ito something new and exciting? It was so unusual, it gave Jon Bon Jovi himself a little pause…at first.
A creative guy with an electronic sound that happens to be hot right now, could Blake break through, at least into the club scene, with a new record?
