Who?

Cole DeGenova is a keyboardist, vocalist, and songwriter based in Chicago. His band, The Peoples Republic was put together in 2008 while living in Boston, and is an ecclectic, high-energy "alternative soul" group with a very dynamic stage show. They released an EP that year followed by their first full-length album "Just People Again" in 2009. Since then, they have been touring and recording, rocking crowds around the country. 

The Story

It's been a few years since our last album "Just People Again" was released but it has been a busy few years indeed: relocating to Chicago, lots of touring, lots of new amazing musicians coming into the band, lots of recording, and lots of crazy stories to show for it! We were fortunate enough to also open for the likes of the GZA, J Davey, Saul Williams, and be featured at Nashville's Soundland Festival. So in January, 2011 I decided to bring the band down to Nashville to record a new album, documenting this new phase in the band's, as well as my own, journey. Since those first recordings we've been back up north working with Chicago DJ Anthony Nicholson and famed engineer Greg Magers (Lupe Fiasco, B.O.B., Kid Sister) to put the final touches on the project. About half of the album is now mixed and sounding great! But now we need a little extra help getting the album 100% completed and ready to be properly released to the world!

Meaning of "Another Country"

The name "Another Country" comes from a book by James Baldwin of the same title. After finishing reading this classic work from the 50's I realized there was a lot of relevance between the themes of that fictional story with the themes of the songs I had been writing and recording. Besides the literal implication of an escape to "another country," the story suggests the idea of creating "another country" within the greater society. Here you would feel free to explore yourself (and others) artistically, spiritually, sexually, and politically outside of the expectations and barriers of your community at large. Many people already explore this idea publicly and proudly, while others must do so in privacy. Either way, I hope that this project inspires growth and self-reflection...and (of course) booty shaking.

Why $4,500?

Like I said, we are very close to being finished with the actual production of the album but now need some extra help in properly distributing and promoting the final product. The money would go towards:

-mixing the final few songs (with Greg Magers)

-mastering

-promotional campaign following the release (radio, internet, and print)

-packaging and distributing 500 CDs

Spreading the Love (Perks)

First of all, we want to give a HUGE thanks for even considering to donate. We realize that times are hard and pockets tight so we appreciate any little bit. Make sure to check out the perks we are offering for donating larger amounts. Even if you can't donate financially right now, you can help by spreading the word. Tell your facebook friends and Twitter followers to check out the page. Like I said, any little bit helps. THANK YOU again for helping spread this music and for supporting independent artists like us.

Love,

Cole DeGenova

And BIG thanks to the amazing Demetria Kalodimos for creating our promo video! Check it out!