Preston Reed NEW ALBUM & TOUR
Preston Reed has just recorded his first album in 7 years!
We at Bailey Guitars are buzzing with excitement as most of the compositions (Preston told me 90%) have been written and recorded using his own Signature Series guitars made here in the Bailey Workshop.
If you don’t already know the story, Preston came to the workshop in 2010 because he needed a new custom baritone guitar and had decided that a Bailey was the way to go. We loved his thinking – as a well established American composer and touring pro acoustic player , Preston could have approached the big names in guitar manufacture for an endorsement and a free guitar …but he came to us because he wanted to support an “local artisan craftsman” now he has made his home here in Ayrshire, he wanted to create as green and environmentally friendly guitar as possible (reclaimed wood, no shell , and of course our renewable energy) and that support extended to paying for it – he put his money where his principles were!
Preston is a truly independent artist, and like many great composers and musicians has chosen to own, manage and control his own music. The price for artistic and creative freedom is a tough one – it also means paying for everything yourself – the time needed for the inspiration to write and of course ALL the expenses associated with recording, promoting and sharing the music.
Preston has been working for some time to create this new body of work and is almost ready to release and tour – but has turned to a new method of 21st century funding as a way of getting his music out there – crowd funding- which is the ultimate in people power support – by using Indiegogo any project can reach out and ask for financial help. Its not charity or free money – the idea is you pledge support for an amount that you can afford and you get something real in return (apart from the pleasure of saying you helped make the thing happen) from a cd to a personal gig at your house.
Preston’s project is simple – help to make his new music live and on tour– watch the video to see how it works and why:
Preston’s Indiegogo Campaign
Its easy to say we like to see artists being independent and true to their art/music but the way the music industry works it is hard for musicians to stay true to their principles – Preston Reed has worked hard to do that, and for us his support of what we do buy choosing to commission, compose & record with, and gig two signature Baileys says all we need to know about his support of independent craft.
We cannot wait to hear the new album and see his Baileys in action around the world – and for us in our 15th year it is a fantastic milestone also.
Please share this with anyone who likes acoustic guitar, original music and the idea of people making music happen themselves. Even if you have no money to spare you can help by liking and sharing Preston’s campaign. Check out his videos and website.
If you want to keep up to date with what goes on here, sign up to the newsletter through our shop and if you are interested in guitar making go to Marks news blog for more information.
Thank you