This is what you're going to get!

I will proudly add your name to the album artwork, immortalizing your contribution to this project. This is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy and be a permanent part of 'Flight of the Raven.'

All artwork has now been sent to the CD and Vinyl manufacturer, so unfortunatly this perk is now not available.

I will send you a high-res digital download of the artwork. It’s perfect for using as desktop or phone wallpaper, and when your friends and colleagues ask about it, you’ll love sharing your new favourite music with them!

I will also personally give you a massive shoutout on Twitter, Facebook and in my next Newsletter. This is optional, in case you’re shy, and I’ll let you tell me what to call you.

Music is about connection! My listeners are not faceless, nameless cogs in a machine. You are all valued members of my team that make it possible to create epic independent music. You’ll get to know me well :) Other music lovers will see you’re supporting an independent musician - you’ll be able to show off your favourite new artist to your friends.

Let me tell you about your parcel!

Your CD will be signed and packed by my own fair hand!

I will sign a photograph, personalised with your name, and put it in with the CD. As I write the name, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the chance and taking the time to listen to my music. You are appreciated.

I will pop in a beautiful, large, ‘Matt Steady’ sticker (in case you’re wondering, the sticker is beautiful and large, not me), featuring an authentic, roots based musician (that IS me). Put this on your laptop, briefcase, guitar case, fridge, or your car dash. You’re sure to have curious people ask you about it, and you’ll be able to proudly let them in on the secret of this little-known, rocket-powered musician from Leicester!

Meet the Crew!

Matt Steady (that's me!)

I'm an independent musician, living in Leicester (England) with my wife Abi and a small herd of children. We are adopters and fosterers, and currently have 6 children with us (as well as 2 grown up children living away from home!).

After 20 years working in IT, I made the crazy decision to pack it all in and become a professional musician. This turned out to be an amazing journey, and one that meant that when two small girls needed a home, we were in the right place to adopt them, which we couldn't have done if I was still in my previous employment. This starting the ball rolling and it's got got more crazy from there! Sometimes I wonder how on earth I find time to make the music!

On this, my 11th studio album, I play guitars, violin, mandolin, keys and piano, uilleann pipes (Irish bagpipes), and a few other bits and bobs I've forgotten about!

I'm totally independent. There is no record label involved here, no accountants, marketers, teams of songwriters or ghost musicians. This is as real as it gets.

Terl Bryant brings the THUNDER!

Drums and percussion.

You may know Terl as being one of the original members of the incredible Celtic prog rock band Iona. He's worked with the likes of John Paul Jones, Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) and many others. 

See more about Terl

Daniel Day on whistles and bass!

Dan is an outstanding artist in his own right, and is also part of the Dave Brons band. His beautifully ethereal whistles conjure up visions of ancient times, and his bass lines are intriguing and driving.

See more about Dan

David Bainbridge - piano on Scroll 1

Dave is a living legend of the Celtic Prog Rock scene - Iona, Lifesigns, Celestial Fire, The Strawbs etc. The only thing more extraordinary than his huge talent is the fact that he managed to squeeze in working with me for this project!

See more about Dave

Dave Brons guests on Scroll 4 !

Dave needs no introduction - he's currently leading the 'Celtic shred' revival with his Lord of the Rings inspired albums.

See more about Dave

Nick Tsiatinis 

Nick is the tireless (ish) photographer and videographer, who makes my work look far more professional that it would otherwise. He also created and recorded the basis for the second half of Scroll 2 - a man of many talents!

Also cooks a mean steak and his BBQs are epic :)

See more about Nick

• What is the funding goal? The goal is £10,000
• Why are you crowdfunding? First of all, as an independent musician, it is really hard to pay to record an album and buy the merch before it is released. Crowdfunding fixes that problem by supplying the funds to do so before they are needed. Secondly it enables us all to get personally involved with a project and to make a difference. Creating a work of art is done by teamwork! YOU are part of my team :) 
• If we don't reach the target, do I get my goodies? You are absolutely guaranteed to get whatever you order, whether we hit the target or not. 
• Where does the money go? First and foremost, it goes towards creating the album. I have some legendary musicians helping with this project, and I want to appropriately compensate them for the amazing work they've done. It goes towards equipment, training, travel. It goes to pay for the merch that you've ordered. It goes towards my time; this has taken 18 months of my life to put together so far, and this helps me feed the family and other animals!
• Are there any stretch goals? Yes! (A stretch goal is a special extra reward if we get above and beyond the goal). When we get closer to the goal, I will announce the stretch goals, but suffice it to say there are some very exciting opportunities that we could investigate.
• Can I buy any of this swag at a later date? The full album CD and download will be available after release, along with the posters, journals etc. However there are some crowdfunding-only goodies which are specific to the 4 EPs - the EP CDs themselves, the scroll t-shirts etc. I will buy a certain number of these to satisfy the crowdfunding orders. There may be a few left over at the end, but I won't be reordering them. There is a 2-week block of orders for each EP, so make sure you get yours in before the window closes! If you are going on holiday or have any particular need to order anything in advance, I can help with that. Email me on mattsteady@mattsteady.com with any queries.

• Will this be available on Streaming Services? No, not at this point. Streaming is a convenient experience for the listener, but is, frankly, horrific for the artist. I simply can't afford to have people listen for free so easily. Saying that, if you want to copy the album and pass it on to a friend as a gift, then you have my blessing. Not commercially, and don't take the mick, but I find a personal recommendation often leads to new listeners and they often come back to contribute at a later date.
• Will this be available on Vinyl? YES! We hit a stretch goal to allow me to afford to produce a double album and have it professionally mastered by Nigel Palmer.
• Will this be available on Cassette? No :o Unless of course some retro angel wants to fund it :) In which case, get in touch!

• How long will it take to finish the album? Most of the recording is already in the bag along with preliminary mixes. Final tweaks will be performed before each of the Scrolls are unearthed. There will then be some minor twiddling and polish for the final album to ensure that each track fits together correctly. I am aiming to get this done by 24 Sept as well, but it might take a little longer depending on key people's availability.
• How long till I get my swag? There will be 4 EP launch nights, where we will have a listening party to one of the four movements. Digital downloads will be available immediately, and I will collect orders for the EPs and order them within the next couple of weeks. They should be with me within 3 weeks. I will get them out ASAP to Royal Mail, and if you're in the UK you'll get them in a couple of days. If you're elsewhere in the world, it could be anywhere up to a couple of weeks later. So you should have your CDs by end of November. Well before Christmas - so why not get some for friend and family?
• What happens if it doesn’t arrive? I will send you an email to let you know when it's in the post. Then give it a chance! If you feel it might have disappeared en route, email me at mattsteady@mattsteady.com and I'll take a look. I’ll pop another in the post for you if necessary. And if you end up with two, give one to a friend!
• What if it arrives snapped, with teeth marks on it, or covered in motor oil/mud/liquid of your choice? Same again - mail me on mattsteady@mattsteady.com and I will pop a replacement in the post for you, no questions asked.
• Surely this is just the same as a million other bands? Well, as musicians, we stand on the shoulders of the same giants, and we have similar instruments, and similar influences. BUT I don’t think you’ll find another artist that sounds just like me. I pour out what is in my heart in a totally authentic manner, without attempting to sound like something or someone else. I think you’ll find there’s something quite different about this album. Tell you what - try it. Then get in touch and tell me what you think! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
• What if I'm nervous about giving out my details! I do not have access to your payment details - these are kept securely by the payment provider. I promise you, I will never give your email address out to anyone. Your personal information is precious. And all my emails have a one-click unsubscribe at the bottom if you’d prefer to watch from a distance. 

Digital Downloads

High-quality MP3 and FLAC digital downloads, perfect for any digital device from high-end pro stereo systems to your phone. Matt Steady, Dave Bainbridge, Daniel Day, and Terl Bryant will sound clear as a bell. In addition, you will receive full-color digital downloads of the album artwork! Downloads will be sent to you immediately upon ordering.

Compact Discs and Vinyl

Scroll EPs and full album CDs, emblazened with stunning artwork designed by Eddie Wilson, featuring fabulous performances by Matt Steady, Dave Bainbridge, Daniel Day, and Terl Bryant. All parcels contain a signed photo from Matt and a lovely big sticker! You’ll also receive IMMEDIATE delivery of high-quality MP3 and FLAC digital downloads of the music and digital artwork.

Expected shipping date: 9th August 2024

Video

Unisex Round-neck Shirts

Ladies Fit V-neck Shirts

Other Merch

Experiences and No-strings Contributions