Hey, thanks for looking at this! My name is Thayer Sarrano, and I have a band in Athens, GA.  I am very confused by the music industry these days, and so for the past year I've been trying to figure out how to release my second full length album. At the same time, I've been trying to find ways to raise money for the least confusing/most amazing thing in my life (and the world!)--"CAMP AMPED!". Camp Amped is a non profit Rock n' Roll summer camp and after school program for teenagers, held at Nuci's Space here in Athens. I've been blessed to be a counselor there the last 4 years, and I've seen what a lifeline fundraising is to the program. 
SO I realized, due to the internet dot com and sites like this one, I could combine focuses and use my album release as the fundraiser itself! I want people to listen to my album, I want people to know about camp, I need pre-order style funding to release my album, and camp needs a lotta funding to survive and continue to provide scholarships to kids in need. 
I am hoping to use my music and artwork to inspire as many of you as I can to donate to CampAmped, and at the least, raise awareness for this special program.

Stream music at http://www.thayersarrano.com/music

and see some artwork at http://www.thayersarrano.com/art

WHAT CAMP IS DOING:  

Camp takes place at Nuci's Space.  "Nuçi’s Space is a non-profit health and music resource center in Athens, GA. The aim of the organization is to prevent suicide by providing obstacle free treatment for musicians suffering from depression and other such disorders as well as to assist in the emotional, physical and professional well-being of musicians. For more information on Nuci's history, mission, and programs, please visit www.nuci.org

This is just the best thing in the world, I can't even believe how lucky I am to be a part of it. I am the best version of myself during camp amped session, it is truly an inspiring and moving force. The way it works is that campers (young musicians age 11-17) are put into bands with a counselor (a local musician), and they write original or learn cover songs that they showcase at the public "Grand Finale." Everyone works together all day collaborating on music, creativity, band issues...tied into life issues, self esteem and confidence, communication, mental health issues, and rocking out--working toward becoming stronger musicians and stronger characters. The whole community is involved from helping with lunches to providing recording time in studios, professional photographs for promotion and memories, and being superfans at the final show! I (and pretty much everyone who knows about camp) wish we had something like this as teenagers. The connections here are amazing--some campers stay together in bands or form other bands together, some look forward to it every summer, and for some it is a much needed support system. These people are incredible.

WHAT I'M DOING:

I'm releasing my 2nd LP, titled "Lift Your Eyes to the Hills." You can preview songs on my website http://www.thayersarrano.com. The record is DONE! It was mixed and mastered at Chase Park Transduction in Athens, GA by the ridiculously talented Drew Vandenberg. It'll be released as a digital download, CD, and deluxe limited edition CD book of original artwork that is closely related to the songs. For different levels of donations you can receive various musical or visual art "perks" listed in full in the perk section to the right. All perks (besides private shows and art commissions to be worked out on a one on one basis) will be soon after the campaign ends this spring when the CD is released, tentatively March 30th!

WHERE YOUR DONATION GOES:
I will give all of the money you donate, minus the cost it takes me to make the perks (including pressing CDs, supplies, printing, and postage) to Camp Amped. If I am able to raise the full amount, I expect the donation to be at least 50% of the total campaign! 
OTHER WAYS TO HELP:

Please spread the word by using your internet presence (there's "share" buttons on here for facebook, twitter, etc.) or also by telling people you know who might be interested in this kind of thing.
Oh and if you know a teenager (or are a teenager) who wants to come to camp amped, go to the website for the application http://www.nuci.org/whatwedo/youth-programs/
Thanks in advance if you are donating, and thanks for reading all of this either way!
Peace,
Thayer
www.thayersarrano.com
www.nucis.org