I’m inviting you - my dearest friends, family, and fans - to pre-order and invest in The Minnesota Child’s first full-length record. This album, a labor of love that represents the fulfillment of nearly a two-decade dream, is by far the most personal, vulnerable, introspective, and exploratory story I know how to tell. About what it means to be alive in the tumultuous times we’re living in. About my own struggles with my physical and mental health. About living and loving as big as I can. And about acceptance of things I cannot do and change. 

It is my belief and my hope that these songs can have an impact. Most of you know that for the past decade, I’ve worked full-time supporting communities fighting the fossil fuel industry, deep in struggle against environmental racism and corporate greed. This work can be incredibly meaningful, and also exhausting. The music I write has always been the antidote to my own burnout. I don’t believe these are songs you’d play at a protest. But hopefully they are the songs you’d listen to, that will offer solace and inspiration, reflection and hope, on your way home. 

I am beyond honored that I worked with producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Justin Glasco to bring these songs to life. Justin’s career has included work with artists ranging from Andrew Bird, Matt Berninger (The National), Blake Mills, and Wild Rivers to Meiko, Anderson East, Jukebox the Ghost, and Avril Lavigne. Justin also toured internationally as a contributing member of the indie folk band The Lone Bellow. From our first introduction last year, I immediately felt that our creative synergy and shared values would make for a powerful partnership. I’m so grateful and excited that my brother, drummer Matthew Buckner, is also collaborating with me on this project. Matthew and I have been making music in some way, shape or form together practically our entire lives. And so every time we have the opportunity to work together, it feels like magic. 

I’m giving this all I’ve got. That’s where you come in.

Making music at the level that feels ambitious, authentic, and impactful, takes a lot of resources. Recording costs, including studio time, engineering, session musicians, and production, cost upwards of $17,000. Mixing and mastering added an additional $4,000. I believe that everyone involved in this process deserves to be compensated well for their labor. Lastly, to give this record the opportunity to reach a broader audience, I am budgeting an additional $7,000-$10,000 for content creation (art, videos, photography, and merch), distribution, and PR. In total, this project will cost between $25,000 - $35,000. 

Thus far, between my own savings and generous initial contributions, I have about $15,000 raised so far. Through this pre-order fundraising campaign, I am asking you to help meet our goal of $10,000 to bring this record to life, with a stretch goal of $15,000. 

Below, I've listed a variety of offerings, ranging from album pre-orders to private concerts, in exchange for your generous support for independent music. 

I am always looking to connect with friends, family, and supporters, if you're brand new to this music or we've known each other all our lives. Don't hesitate to reach out - I had the time of my life making this record and I'd be so excited to talk to you about it.

Many thanks for your encouragement and support. It means the world to me.

With love and gratitude-

Ethan