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MY STORY

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Music has been a love of mine since I was a little girl.

When I began writing songs I felt like I had discovered a super power. When I stood in front of a microphone I could sing things I was never brave enough to speak.

As someone who buries emotions and a life long struggle with anxiety, the release of sharing my songs with people became an immediate release. To have an ability that gives you a window into peoples lives is a gift that I will continually and constantly be grateful for.

In 2010, Mark and I recorded The Merry Way's first EP.

After a couple years of playing we decided that it was time to start our family. Soon after we were surprised with twins: Ruby and Scarlett! A few years later our sweet (and feisty!) Olive was born, and off we were on our merry way :)

Plot Twist.

After Olives birth my body was launched into a downward spiral of constant anxiety and panic attacks - which was later named as severe postpartum anxiety and depression. It was the worst time of my life. But thanks to my Father in heaven I was surrounded by a loving family, friends and doctors that helped carry me through.

Music feels like an exhale.

It's one of the few ways that I know how to communicate what I'm feeling underneath and release emotions that I tend to bury. I believe in vulnerability and honesty. I believe that to truly love people well, you have to be willing to lay down the masks we are constantly wearing and be truthful about our human experience.

That is what this upcoming album is to me: the truth of my human experience. Some of the songs are about motherhood, some are about marriage, and some are about my faith. But every song is a snapshot of a truth and vulnerability about my life.

I believe that when we share even our darkest moments there is a seed of hope that is planted, because the listener hears that they are not alone. To hear that life is difficult, that hardships are more commonplace than people let on, and that there is a future of hope awaiting.

I long to share these songs, but frankly, we just can't do it without help.

In the 6 years since my twins were born, I have continued to write music. We have nearly 30 demos I had hoped to someday be able to finish the full length album that we started so long ago.

By partnering with your financial support you are empowering us to share these vulnerable moments with the world. You are joining us as we share hope and light in a world that desperately needs it.

We would love your support and an opportunity to create a full length album that's been 10 years in the making.

Thank you,

Brittany Alvis

Mark Alvis

The Merry Way

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Budgeting a Full Length Album

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We would like to record a 12 to 15 song album, which can be expensive since the costs go up with each additional song you create. Essentially three main costs: producing the songs, recording the songs, then duplicating / distributing the album...

Here's the breakdown as we see it.

• Studio Rental Cost: 10 days @ 350 / day = 3500

• Production, Engineering, Musician Cost = 5000

• Mixing & Mastering = 1500+

• Album Artwork = Free (hey thanks Mark! :)

• Duplication Cost (1000 CD's & digital licensing) = $1500

• Fulfillment Costs for Partner Rewards (below) = $500

Project Total: 12,500

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Bonus Round

If we hit our first goal, we would raise our total to include releasing the album on vinyl and get a few march essentials like graphic tees & matching baby onesies. You know you want one :)

• Vinyl Remastering & Replication Cost = $1500

• Basic Merch (Graphic Tees, Baby Onesies, Hats) = $1000

• In-Studio Video = $1000

Bonus Project Total= 16,000

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PARTNER PLEDGE REWARDS

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Here's where you come in... Partner with us by ordering stuff from packages below. Pick one, two, or as many as you like :)

$10 - Digital Hug & High Five

This is the 'Love you Brittany!' option. Ten bucks just because. To say thanks, we will send you a pre-release digital song from the album, as well as a thank you via social media.

$15 - Pre-Order Your Album

Show your love by simply pre-purchasing your album ahead of time. Pay now, receive it when its released! Includes one digital album download, one free pre-release of a digital song, and a digital high five.

$35 - Limited Edition Poster & Digital Release

Custom 13 x 19in concert poster featuring Brittany's summer house show with Bradford Loomis designed by Mark (limited availability). Includes one poster, one digital album download, and one free pre-release of a digital song.

$40 - Ltd Edition Tee Shirt & Digital Release

Custom Graphic Tee made from the nice, soft, comfortable ones. Tee shirts you'll actually wear :) Includes hat, physical CD, digital album download, and a one pre-release digital song.

$50 - TMW Hat & Album Pre-Order

Rock a custom The Merry Way hat. These ain't no trucker hats, these are the good ones. Stylish and Brittany approved :) Includes hat, physical CD, digital album download, and a one pre-release digital song.

$80 - Limited Edition Lyric Book & Digital Release

Custom hand made book from the album's song lyrics along with commentary by Brittany about the inspiration and backstory. Written by Brittany, designed by Mark. Includes the Lyric Book, one digital album download, and one free pre-release of a digital song.

$125 - Early Bird Package Deal

Get 3-songs as speak peak / pre-release from the upcoming album. Also includes Lyric Book, TMW hat, Graphic Tee, physical CD, and digital album download when released.

$250 - Private Album Listening Party at the Alvis Home.

Celebrate the album release with a live Listening Party hosted by us, for you, at hour home in Tacoma. Food, drinks and music provided.

Includes: One ticket to the listening party, Physical CD, Graphic Tee, TMW cap, Digital album download.

$500 - The Merry Way makes you dinner!

What's for dinner? You decide. Actually, we'll probably all decided together, but come on over and let us cook you a wonderful dinner to say thank you :)

Includes: Ticket for two at our house, plus physical CD, Graphic Tee, TMW cap, Digital album download.

$800 - House Show or Private Performance.

The Merry Way will play a show for you and friends in your house, church, coffee shop, or venue.

(Travel expenses not included). Also includes custom poster / flyer design by Mark, Physical Album, Graphic Tee, TMW cap, Digital album download.

$1,000 - Studio Hang & Lunch on Us!

Spend a few hours with us in the studio with us while we record and let us take you out to lunch. Also includes: Physical Album, Graphic Tee, Poster, TMW cap, Digital Album Download.

$2,000 - Personal song written just for you (or a significant other) by Brittany.

Also includes: Physical Album, Graphic Tee, Poster, TMW cap, Digital Album Download

$7500 - One of Everything. Choose this one to make our life... okay, but seriously...

Includes: Personal song written for you, Studio Lunch, Private Performance, Dinner with TMW, 2 tickets to Listening Party, 3 Song Early Bird EP download, Lyric Book, TMW hat, Physical CD, Graphic Tee, Poster, digital album download, and many, many hugs.