I happen to be fortunate enough to work with a group of guys who are in a rock and roll band. That band?
Intra-Venus & the Cosmonauts.
I know. Awesome, right? Yeah. It's extremely cool that they asked me to help write a few songs with them. It's practically a dream come true. I say this with all sincerity because I have long been an admirer of musicians and music of all kinds. So please, when I say these things, please know I am being totally sincere.
The guys from Intra-Venus & the Cosmonauts have a wonderful opportunity and need your support. They have secured David J (founding member of Bauhaus and Love and Rockets) to produce their first full length album. Please consider contributing to their Kickstarter project so they can do this thing right.
Money needs to find its way to art. More specifically, your money needs to find its way to this art. Why? Because if you don't fund the arts, much of it will disappear, and in the case of Intra-Venus and the Cosmonauts, it might not get the chance to appear in the first place. Oh, I know I sound dramatic and I am pushing a little. You are right to think so because this is my hard sell. You owe it to yourself to find something you can support with your money and watch it flourish.
I am not trying to imply you don't do this already. I know as a poet I spend much more of my own money on my life as a poet than I will ever earn, as is true of the majority of poets in the world. What I am trying to do is get you to do something extra, something outside of yourself and support the arts in a way you might not have normally thought viable.
When we support the arts, and the artists who create that art, we are providing a wider response to the world in which we live. We expand and extend the opportunity for people to experience the arts, and in turn, plant seeds of possibility and opportunity for new art to be created.
When we support the arts with money, we lend credibility to the artist. We announce to the world being an artist is not a waste of time. We tell the artist and audience alike "This is worthy of consideration" and even if that consideration is momentary, it will have an impact.
No truly great artist is an artist because of money. Money does not inspire a lifetime of creativity and passion. However, art does have a monetary price. There is only so much on can do as an artist without money, and as many of you have, this band, Intra-Venus & the Cosmonauts, has reached the point of no return without money. They either settle on the level of exposure local venues provide, continuing to self-produce the occasional ep, releasing them on the internet, or they step forward, into a much larger world---one where things might start happening on a grand scale.
Yes, I am personally vested. I am not a neutral observer in this pursuit. I have written songs with this band, and I have been able to live vicariously through their exploits. If they succeed I can feel a little of the thrill. Well, I am giving money to their kickstarter, too. I am going to be giving money just like I know they guys in the band are giving their money, in addition to their blood and sweat.. These guys are authentic, passionate, and talented. You owe it to yourselves to give money. Any amount you can give will be appreciated. Any amount you give will be confirmation of the arts.
I will also say this. If you give at least $50, I will, in addition to the packages offered by the band, give you a signed copy of my chapbook, Friday in the Republic of Me, OR a signed copy of my book Sailing This Nameless Ship, OR a signed copy of my forthcoming book of landscape meditation poetry. Get hold of me for the details on that.
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