Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News, June 2011: John Schlitt Asks Fans To Help Fund New Solo Album, "The Greater Cause"

John Schlitt Asks Fans To Help Fund New Solo Album, "The Greater Cause"

NEWS SOURCE: John Schlitt, a Jesusfreakhideout.com Report
June 6, 2011

Former Petra vocalist and acclaimed Christian rock solo artist John Schlitt is planning a fourth solo album, titled The Greater Cause, and will be hitting the studio in a few months to record it. However, this time, Schlitt is asking the fans to pitch in via a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for recording. As a consolation, fans can get an early digital release of the record or more unique items like a hand-carved thank-you plaque from Schlitt's own hand or, for the supporters open to splurging, an entire piece of furniture specially crafted for you by the singer! Check out the details below explaining the project and visit the Kickstarter page to pitch in!

THE PROJECT
I’m in the process of creating the new rock album you’ve been asking for and I’d like you to join with me and be a part of “The Greater Cause!”

I’m an independent artist now; in the past, a record label funded “Shake” and “Unfit for Swine,” my first two CDs. My third CD, “The Grafting” was an independent venture, but for my next album I’d like to call on you to help bring my new vision to life.

I’d like to do something different by asking you to be involved in a unique way. No labels, no managers, no corporations – just me and you – my friends and supporters – helping to make this project a reality.

THE VISION
“The Greater Cause” will be the title of my fourth solo album. The project is intended to be a fresh and powerful tool to accomplish what God has been doing through me for many years: connecting and encouraging people through my music. I’ve learned a lot since the release of “The Grafting” as an independent artist on my own label and I want to take it to the next level with this new album.

In these days filled with uncertainty and insecurity - both economically and politically - we as Christians need to remind each other who Christ is and who we are in Him. We need to use common sense in this world and awaken to the fact that Jesus is Lord, no matter what those around us may say – or do. This is my goal with “The Greater Cause.”

THE REASON
I’ve been in music for the greater part of my life… it’s what I do. I have been given a musical platform to speak from; I pray the message has been and will be heard through the lyrics of my songs and through my life.

The message is – and always has been – to encourage the listener to grasp the reality that we are on the winning team. The enemy is escalating his tactics, using every possible means he can to keep people from the truth - the truth that they are made in the image of God and are designed for a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Our Lord is alive and through Him we are to be victorious in His perfect plan for us - a plan that was designed for us from the beginning of time.

THE DOLLAR AMOUNT
To make “The Greater Cause,” including recording costs and expenses, CD design, graphics and manufacturing, etc., will take a lot more money than I could come up with on my own. The goal of $35,000 is only part of what goes into making a quality recording that lives up to the professional level you have come to expect from me.

The unique thing about Kickstarter is that after you make your pledge, your credit card will only be charged after we reach our target goal of $35,000, ensuring that you'll only be contributing toward a project that will actually happen. It also means that if we fall short of the goal I won’t receive any of the contributions. So it's all …or nothing!