The Project Plan
Wow. What a time to be alive. Let me ask this question… What do “Room for Squares”, “Come Away with Me”, “18”, “Still Bill” and “Brown Sugar” all have in common? They are all debut records. Which is important because I now get to record my debut record. Over the course of January 2025, I set out to raise $15,000 in 30 days. This was not an easy task, and was often accompanied by fear, insecurity and anxiety. But my community, family, and even strangers came together and made this dream a possibility. The question is now is what comes next?
I’ve laid out a project timeline for myself, to help keep me on track, and the next thing to do is find the songs. This is where the fun begins. I have a pool of about 40 songs that could be considered for this record. Some are complete ideas with full-band demos, and other ideas are short voice memos with no arrangement or chord structure. I was able to cut that list of 40 songs to 20 songs. The next month will be spent choosing my 10 best songs. I have assembled a strong AnR team to help me choose this song, as well as a handful of backers who have a say in what songs go on the album. Ultimately, me and my producer (my cousin Christian) will have the ultimate say on what goes on the record, but I wanted to make sure I got as much insight and perspective for these songs as possible. Once those 10 songs are chosen, we are off to recording phase 1.
In this first phase of recording, I will be tracking scratch vocals and acoustics to solidify the arrangement and style. We will then record the final versions of Drums and Bass, to establish the overall feel of each song and supply a solid foundation for the rest of the instrumentation. Phase 1 will take place in March and will be recorded in Wilmington NC at School House Studio. Once phase 1 is done, we then go into the marketing strategy for the record. That will include pitching to publications, setting up a tour, finalizing designs for merch and album artwrok, as well as photo shoots to help personify the theme of the record. Then phase 2 recording happens at Libby Lane Studios near Nashville TN, where we will track keys, percussion, guitars and final vocals. Once phase 2 ends, we start post-production which includes mixing and mastering, filming music videos and ordering merchandise (CDs, vinyl, t-shirts, etc.). Then we reach October, where we will release a single every 3 weeks until Novemeber 7, which is the targeted album release date. Then will follow all of the music videos, brand partnerships, tour dates, publication releases, and all that jazz.
The scope of this project is one that I have never done before. When I self-produced my E.P it was more “whatever I can get when I can get it” type of attitude. I tried to do everything right, but I was mostly hindered by time and budget. Now the budget is taken care of, and my project plan will help me with time. I wanted to make sure that I didn’t squander this opportunity, because I’ll most likely never raise this type of money again. That’s why I want to make sure I’m doing everything right, taking big swings, and going for my goal. I have big plans and even bigger aspirations, and this album is just the start.
I hope you continue to follow me on this amazing journey as I create the album of my dreams. And I hope you love it just as much as I do. Much love my friends
-Carlos
