Support artist Allison Wheeler's debut album "winterspring"

Winterspring is my debut album featuring original music and arrangements, and it is set to release July 29, 2022 on UK label Ubuntu Music! The funds collected here go to help cover costs we've incurred during recording and production.

Author: Allison Wheeler

  • Mockup of physical CD

  • CD's in the flesh!!

  • Printed lyric A5 zine designed by me!

  • CD

  • sticker pack

  • Allison, Max Makagonov & Petr Nohavica

  • with Daniel Bulatkin, Robert Balzar, Petr Nohavica

  • at Pisek Jazz Fest with David Dorůžka

  • original artwork (example 1)

  • original artwork (example 2)

  • original artwork (example 3)

EUR 6,431
pledged of EUR 6,324

101%

101% completed

101 contributors pledged

Music, Art

Prague, Czechia

All or nothing. Project finished on Jul 28, 2022 at 09:17.

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about the album "winterspring"

The product of four years of writing and self-examination, Winterspring weaves a narrative of hope inspired by famous storytelling and personal anecdotes. The album tells a classic tale of opposing forces working together towards growth — What was intended solely as an outlet for personal expression evolved into an exploration and understanding of the human condition. Jazz-like in structure, the album weaves tales of love, light and loneliness into a unique blend of styles driven by sweeping vocals and colorful accompaniment. The album is a glimpse into Wheeler’s inner world, brought beautifully to life with the help of her band — Daniel Bulatkin (piano), Max Makagonov (bass), Petr Nohavica (drums) and guests David Dorůžka (guitar) and Luboš Soukop (sax & clarinet). In order to both find peace in the midst of inner struggle and to guide others to do the same, Winterspring is a message of hope in the midst of darkness.

...how did all this start?

The title track of this album, winterspring, was one of the first songs I've ever written and finished. I came up with the term accidentally while free writing in my college bedroom - a theme/idea whose parallels in my life I've been unpacking since then. 

As a band though, Daniel Bulatkin and I met at a farmer's market soon after I moved to Prague in the fall of 2018; We met up to play some tunes a few months later and he brought his trio at the time - Max Makagonov and Petr Nohavica. We played just that once together and decided to put together a small repertoire & book a few concerts, and the rest is history! Haha. Well, it's been a long process of playing and writing and growing. Most (all?) of the other songs you hear on the album were written and arranged during these last 3 or so years living in the Czech Republic. 

left to right: Daniel Bulatkin, Allison Wheeler, Max Makagonov, David Dorůžka, Petr Nohavica

The band on the record is:

Allison Wheeler: vocals

Daniel Bulatkin: piano & keyboards

Max Makagonov: double bass

Petr Nohavica: drums

and featuring guests David Dorůžka: guitar

and Luboš Soukup: saxophones and clarinet

About the artist

A young vocalist & songwriter from California, Allison Wheeler has gotten her professional start in central Europe and is a budding talent on the Czech jazz scene. Wheeler is a versatile singer with a love for creative challenge. She was named “Undergraduate Vocal Soloist of the Year” by Down Beat Magazine in 2018 and most recently had the honor of singing with Lizz Wright on the Prague Sounds Festival 2021. Her music and singing style seamlessly cross genre lines, drawing influence from the likes of Regina Spektor, Norma Winstone, Fiona Apple, Aoife O’Donovan, and others. A storyteller at heart, she uses her jazz and visual art backgrounds to construct a world of her own imagination fueled by improvisation, nostalgia, and a love for impressionism.

To get to know the band, please visit my website! 

... & something extra

I've designed and created all of the merch you will receive in relation to this project myself! In addition to the music, you'll get another small piece of me and further delve into the world of winterspring

Our goal with this fundraiser is to cover some of the costs that we've incurred over the recording and production process -- we want to be able to create and share with you the best version & quality of our album possible! 

thank you for being here!! <3

It's been my dream since I was a little girl to write and record and share something meaningful and I'm so happy it's finally happening. I feel I've always had something to say to all of you musically, and hopefully this is just the beginning! Thanks so much for your support.  

gratefully yours,

Allison

News

Aug 11, 2022 Thank you again, your rewards are coming soon!

Hi everyone!! Thank you again for your support!! Kindly be patient as I am sending out orders, I am a bit behind but will send your treasures as soon as I am able! I haven't forgotten (; Can't wait for you to receive them!  Love, Allison

More

Jul 28, 2022 WE DID IT!!

Thank you thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting this dream!! You are the reason this is able to go out into the world tomorrow worry free. Thank you for your support and encouragement, sending all of you a big hug! Enjoy the album! I will start sending out packages as soon as I…

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Choose reward for your contribution

  • sold 9
    Just because

    Want to throw a bit of support our way just because? 

    Show us some love by donating just 50 kc ($2) or more! Everything counts (: 

    This is also a great choice if you would like to be a winterspring backer but aren't interested in getting anything for it.

    You can back us here with any amount and we are so thankful for it! <3

    Reward delivery: not specified

    EUR 1.98
    (CZK 50)
  • remaining 44 from 50
    Winterspring sticker pack

    Got a few bucks to spare and want a little something for it? 

    I'll send you a set of 3 winterspring- inspired custom-cut glossy vinyl stickers (designed by me!)  Size for each sticker around 8 x 8cm.

    Photo of stickers in gallery above (: 

    Postage to anywhere included <3

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 4.74
    (CZK 120)
  • sold 4
    Postcards from Prague!

    I'll send you a postcard from Prague!
    (even if you live here in Prague! hehe) 
    I'll also throw in one sticker from the sticker pack (: 

    I'll send to anywhere in the world, postage  included <3

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 7.11
    (CZK 180)
  • remaining 59 from 65
    Lyric "zine"

    I designed a special A5 booklet showcasing the album lyrics and photos taken by the lovely Karolina Ketmanová. 
    I put a lot of care into my lyrics and wanted to present them in a meaningful way.

    This is a great piece of merch if you are into streaming and don't want your own copy of the music.

    I also highly recommend pairing this with either the physical CD or the digi pack! --
    You'll want at least something to give you the full winterspring effect (;

    // Postage to anywhere included! //

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 9.09
    (CZK 230)
  • sold 10
    Digital pack!

    All about that modern age?

    With the digital pack, you'll receive a code to download the full  winterspring album  in high quality digital format, and I will send you also the  electronic pdf version of the lyric zine, design by me and includes photos by the amazing Karolina Ketmanová. 

    //be sure to include your e-mail//

    Reward delivery: in a week after the Hithit project end

    EUR 9.88
    (CZK 250)
  • sold 11
    Signed CD - in person pick up

    Signed winterspring CD (+ digital download)  comes in a sleek matte 6 panel digipak with cover design and art done by me and featuring the photography by the lovely Karolina Ketmanová.

    Comes also with an electronic pdf version of lyric zine, be sure to write your e-mail! 

    Don't want it signed, or want me to write a special message or specific name? Write this in the details when you purchase! 

    // This is probably for Prague people only (: // 

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 11.86
    (CZK 300)
  • sold 1
    Signed CD sent by post (for CZ & EU!)

    Signed winterspring CD (+ digital download)  comes in a sleek matte 6 panel digipak with cover design and art done by me and featuring the photography by the lovely Karolina Ketmanová.

    Comes also with an electronic pdf version of lyric zine and a thank you postcard, be sure to include your e-mail (: 

    Don't want it signed, or want me to write a special message or specific name? Write this in the details when you purchase! 

    // Price includes Czech and EU postage, but does not cover international shipping to the US. please find the "Signed physical CD for US & other intl" // 

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 15.81
    (CZK 400)
  • sold 2
    Behind the scenes pack!

    Want to hear the album in some of it's vulnerable growing state? Want to learn more about my writing process? 

    This gives you access to:

     - "winterspring explained" - written descriptions and insight on each track on the album. 

    - a folder of material that was part of the album making process, including:
      -- voice memos of the first budding ideas of the songs you hear on the album, some behind the scene footage of studio/rehearsal time, and even some unreleased videos of our band.
     -- you'll also get digital downloads of the demos for this album, recorded in August 2020, where you'll hear different takes of the songs (: 

    Please include your e-mail so that I can get the link to you!  

    Reward delivery: in a week after the Hithit project end

    EUR 19.76
    (CZK 500)
  • sold 10
    Album Release Concert Single Ticket & CD

    Get your ticket to our album release show at Jazz Dock on August 9th, 2022 at 21:00! The concert will be featuring the incredible David Dorůžka on guitar and some special guests from California (: You won't want to miss this of course! 

    This reward includes a signed CD and one seated ticket to the show. Plus, you'll be making this extra bit of donation directly to us, which we are super thankful for (: See you there! 

    Reward delivery: not specified

    EUR 19.76
    (CZK 500)
  • sold 15
    Signed CD (for international! USA & other )

    Signed winterspring CD (+ digital download)  comes in a sleek matte 6 panel digipak with cover design and art done by me and featuring the photography by the lovely Karolina Ketmanová.

    Comes also with an electronic pdf version of lyric zine and a thank you postcard (: be sure to write your e-mail! 

    Don't want it signed, or want me to write a special message or specific name? Write this in the details when you purchase! 

    // USA, this is for you! 
    Heads up! This is intended for those located outside of the EU -- I'm sure you'll want to purchase the other version if you're located in the EU //

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 25.69
    (CZK 650)
  • sold 5
    Album Release Concert pack! (:

    Get tickets to our album release show at Jazz Dock on August 9th, 2022 at 21:00! The concert will be featuring the incredible David Dorůžka on guitar and some special guests from California (: You won't want to miss this of course! 

    This reward includes a signed CD and two seated tickets to the show. Plus, you'll be making this extra bit of donation directly to us, which we are super thankful for (: See you there! 

    Reward delivery: not specified

    EUR 37.55
    (CZK 950)
  • sold 11
    I <3 Physical merch pack!

    Includes:
    - Signed physical CD (+digital downloads)
    - Lyric zine (A5 booklet with lyrics and photos)
    - Sticker pack (3 stickers)
    - 1 mini original gouache illustration 
    - small winterspring art print

    //shipping to anywhere is included, but a little more donated to help me easily send these out is appreciated! (: //

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 39.53
    (CZK 1,000)
  • sold 7
    1- hour private lesson!

    Take a 1- hour private lesson with one of our band members and get your choice of a CD or digital copy of the album and a small winterspring art print (: Plus you'll be supporting the release!! 

    Options: 
    - voice or songwriting with Allison
    - drums with Petr
    - piano with Daniel

    //send us your email and choice! //

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 39.53
    (CZK 1,000)
  • remaining 10 from 20
    Original artwork

    A surprise original illustration of mine will be sent to you-- See the photos above for examples of what to expect!
    Various types of media (gouache, pastel, watercolor, sketches.. ) and sizes will vary between A5 and A4. 

    // Postage to anywhere included //

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 71.15
    (CZK 1,800)
  • remaining 16 from 20
    Big fan pack

    Show your support! 

    You'll receive a gift package including the following items, all designed with love by me:
     
    - 1 signed physical CD
     -  winterspring sticker pack
     - lyric zine (A5 booklet with lyrics and photos) 
     - Postcard from Prague note
    - 1 mini illustration done by me

    Big fans will also receive: 
     - "winterspring explained" - written descriptions and insight on each track on the album. 
     - digital mp3 download of my 10/27/17 jazz standards "EP"

    Postage to anywhere is included of course <3

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 118.58
    (CZK 3,000)
  • remaining 8 from 10
    Biggest fan pack!

    Aside from the honor of being named a biggest fan, you'll receive a gift package with the following items, all designed with love by me.
     
    Includes everything from the "Big fan pack"  
    and also:
     
     - 2 tickets to any one of our summer shows (see my website) **
     - access to a folder of behind the scenes recordings of the album creation process
    - " winterspring explained" - written descriptions and insight on each track. 
     - digital mp3 download of my 10/27/17 jazz standards "EP"
    - personal thank you shout outs on social media and concerts-  optional 
    -
    an hour of singing or songwriting with Allison (even on zoom) OR if you're around we can grab a coffee (or practice English for those interested!)

    ** If you live outside of CZ, we can set up a private livestream just for you! We won't stream for the general public.

    Postage included <3

    Reward delivery: on address, in a month after the Hithit project end

    EUR 316.21
    (CZK 8,000)
  • sold 0
    Winterspring Live Concert

    Bring winterspring to your location of choice! Want to host a house party? Have a favorite garden location or cafe? Planning a special moment (engagement, wedding, birthday..) and have our music in mind? Hosting a festival and want us there? 

    We'll play a 60 min set for you anywhere in the Czech Republic. 

    Technical: Sound will be provided by the organizer (you), however it is possible for us to provide our own sound set up, depending on the situation. Same goes for transportation. But don't worry, we are flexible and will work something reasonable out (: 
    Everything can be arranged by e-mail or phone with you at the end of the campaign! 

    // Please note, this  reward works for Czech located backers/events only!  Unless of course you'd like to arrange a special livestream event, anything is possible!//

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 790.51
    (CZK 20,000)