Emerging alt-country artist Kirsten Jones
to work with ACCLAIMED songwriter/producer Gary Louris
and launches DO-IT-YOURSELF ON-LINE fundraising initiative

(For Immediate Release – October 1, 2008) Toronto, ON - Canadian alt-country artist Kirsten Jones has launched a grassroots initiative, creating a new website to help fund the making of her second full-length release The Mad Mile, and with acclaimed artist/songwriter/producer Gary Louris (The Jayhawks, The Dixie Chicks, The Sadies) signed on as producer, the momentum around this project is beginning to build.

Jones has launched a do-it-yourself funding campaign that will allow the public to sponsor the making of her album. By logging onto www.kirstenjonesmusic.com, the public can contribute funds that will help cover costs associated with making and marketing the album. In exchange, Jones is offering multiple levels of ‘rewards’ depending on the size of the sponsorship. Sponsorship levels begin at $15 and go up to $10,000, with rewards ranging from a thank-you email or credit on the album, to a private house performance by Jones and complete VIP treatment at the CD launch party in Toronto.

“I wouldn’t be able to record this CD if it wasn’t for the generous support of FACTOR, but even with their encouragement and funding, I need to subsidize additional expenses. This initiative will help me to cover the rest - everything from lawyers to my producer’s costs, and if enough people get behind the project, a video and tour support,” says Jones. “Music fans can participate in getting albums made like never before.  Essentially, with initiatives such as this, the public is the record label - they are deciding what they want to hear,” adds Jones.

After sending her demo to one of her musical idols, artist/producer/songwriter Gary Louris, Jones was thrilled when he agreed to produce the release. Louris and Jones have also co-written several songs, at least two of which will appear on The Mad Mile.

"With a voice like quicksilver and songs of real beauty and importance I am excited to work with Kirsten Jones on her upcoming release. The effortless quality of her voice belies the emotional depth of her material, giving the listener the yin and yang of light and dark that makes for the best music.  This is the beginning of an exciting chapter in country music and I am excited to be a part of it,” says Louris.

In February 2005 Jones released her debut album, Drive-In Movie, through Fontana North (Universal) and received national airplay hitting #3 on Galaxie’s Top Canadian Folk/Roots Chart. She has toured all over Canada, sharing the bill with such artists as Corb Lund, Jim Cuddy, Oh Susanna and Jessie Farrell and has played showcases at North by Northeast, Canadian Music Week and the Americana Showcase at NEMO in Boston. In May 2008 Jones was selected from 800 applicants and was a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Contest. In September 2008, the Canadian Country Music Awards invited Kirsten to perform for the second year in a row at the coveted Songwriter’s Café.

Also this year, Kirsten's song "I Will Love You Now" was recognized by the Nashville Songwriter's Association receiving an Honourable Mention and her song "You Ain't Comin' By" was chosen as a semi-finalist in the 2007 International Songwriting Competition.

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www.kirstenjonesmusic.com