Synopsis
Poet and emcee Melissa Czarnik (Zar-nik) has been accepted into an artist residency in France to write and record her forthcoming album, Non Merci at the Camac Centre D'Art. If the project goal of $2,000 is reached, Czarnik will write the lyrics and record her next album while abroad in France and you, the supporter, will receive the album (plus corresponding perks) in the Summer 2012. It's a win, win for everyone! Plus, if Czarnik exceeds her goal and raises at least $4,000 she will go on an European tour with producer Eric Mire spreading her message of female empowerment and positivity (homegrown in Milwaukee) throughout the world!
Biography
Melissa Czarnik is one of the most vital emcees to emerge in recent years. Mixing potent poetry, soulful hip hop and improvisatory Jazz, Czarnik’s music exemplifies artists such as Lauryn Hill, Ani Difranco and Nneka.
Hailing from Milwaukee, Czarnik’s first two albums Strawberry Cadillac (HMP, 2008) and Raspberry Jesus (HMP, 2010) have earned her recognition by NPR, Bitch Magazine, Bust Magazine, Anattitude Magazine (Europe), and Democracy Now among others. She has toured extensively throughout the United States and was a special guest performer at the Supafly Hip Hop Series #3 in Brussels, Belgium. Her album Raspberry Jesus was listed as one of the top 50 Hip Hop albums of 2010 on the Amoeba Music Blog.
The Project
For the duration of April 2 – May 31, Czarnik will
inhabit Camac Centre D'Art in Marnay-sur-Seine, a country estate that has been converted to artist quarters for
residencies. The location has a
history of supporting great artists and was host to the likes of Duke Ellington
and French pop-icon Johnny Hallyday in the 1960’s. The mental and emotional space provided
by Camac will allow Czarnik the capacity to create an album independently and
free from distractions. Focusing on the topics of cultural feminism, classism and world politics (but not limited to), Czarnik will dedicate a minimum of 5 hours each day to writing and the remainder of the day to cultural absorption through social interaction, literature and art.
What We Need & What You Get
$2,000
- Airfare from United States to France for Czarnik
- Remaining Residency costs
- Travel Health Insurance
$4,000
- Airfare to send Eric Mire to Europe for tour with Czarnik
- Train tickets for Czarnik & Mire (Belgium, Netherlands, France, England).
2. Share the campaign video or send and email to your friends!
3. Use the share tools on this page and post the campaign to your facebook & twitter accounts.
What the Press is Saying
