My new piano to make the musics!

Hi, my name is Chris Rupp, and I'm the founder of the vocal band Home Free. I am raising money to assist me in pursuing my lifelong dream of creating piano music with a new grand piano.

I grew up in a very musical family and started taking piano lessons from my mom (herself an extremely gifted and accomplished pianist) at a very early age. I studied all kinds of music in high school and college since I didn't know what would work out for me, I just knew I wanted to do music. Fortunately, Home Free took off and became a successful endeavor for me vocally. However, I always knew that someday I would go back to the piano, and I finally have the opportunity in my life to do so again.

So what does that mean?  Well, I'm in the process of building a YouTube channel filled with original content, including: new compositions, reimagined classical pieces, arrangements of popular songs and video game themes, collaborations with other instrumentalists, and much more - I am letting my heart be my guide. :) To achieve my goal, I know I need to take a big leap of faith and INVEST in the project, so I am looking to purchase a brand new Yamaha C3x Disklavier grand piano, at a cost of around 47k (after tax). Uff da. This is a top-of-the-line grand piano that features several awesome recording functions that are going to be game-changing in my endeavors. And it looks beautiful! (Not as beautiful as my fans, though! Right? Too much? OK, never mind...) On top of the piano purchase, I am going to need some additional recording and video gear. All together, it is probably going to end up costing me in the neighborhood of 55k to get this big piano project up and running. On the plus side, once I absorb the initial investments, I'll be able to create the content my fans demand at very little cost.

So, the initial funding is really the hurdle I need assistance overcoming before I can make all the music for you to enjoy, and this is where you come in. First and foremost, let me say that this is my dream, and I'm going to make it happen 100% on my own if that is what it takes. I'm pursuing every and all options to raise the necessary funds, including equipment loans with the bank and taking a home equity line of credit against my home. I'm moving forward with the piano purchase regardless of the success of this campaign. However, many people have really appreciated my recent piano CD and have expressed interest in helping to support my future endeavors. Towards that end, I am launching this campaign over March and April 2016 to see if we can make any inroads in recouping some of the initial expenses. Even if we only raise $500, it will be a TREMENDOUS help in making this dream a reality.

The artist/fan relationship has changed drastically within even the last five years - what we've lost in the traditional models of record sales we've gained in direct interaction between artists like me and the fans we so adore. I'm thrilled that so many people want to be a part of this journey -- you're all collaborators in something that goes so far beyond me as an individual. I continue to be humbled by the overwhelming love and support you have shown to me (and to Home Free) thus far. Whether or not you choose (or are able) to contribute here, I want you to know that I love all of my fans, and I think of your smiles and excitement every day as I work on my music. You bring me so much joy, and that is more than enough reward for this country boy.

Thank you. I appreciate everything you do, and I'm excited to keep creating more music for those most important to me...all of you.

XOXOXO Chris Rupp