Overview

Hello world! My name is Chris R Lane and I'm a singer-songwriter here in the beautiful city of Missoula, MT.

I first played the guitar at age eight and it has consumed me ever since. Music has always been my therapy, my escape, and my voice. I've written and performed at more venues than I can count. But in 2016, my life took an unexpected turn.

I’d been hard at work in Seattle when I felt weird. I made it back home to Missoula when something unimaginable happened. I was rushed to the emergency room and misdiagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. The doctor had denied us a CT scan. Something didn’t seem right so we went back for a CT scan at a later date and  I was diagnosed with having a stroke at age 52. While in the hospital, I was given a drug that caused me to flatline. I can’t tell you why I survived but I was saved for some reason. Although they are no longer with us, reflecting on my grandparents at the farm seemed to resonate somehow. They say that having a heart attack changes a person and I can attest to that. I’ve always been compassionate, and now I’m super compassionate and sensitive. My songwriting expresses the need for a kinder world with love as the anchor. After receiving a pacemaker and going through intensive rehab, I had to relearn how to swallow! And, play my guitar! It was a long journey, but it reignited my passion for music and songwriting. My world changed and I owed it to the graces that be. I am grateful to be here for my daughters and wife.

The material is ready, and the musicians are waiting -- this Plaid Dog campaign is the final step toward creating my first ever, professionally produced studio album.

This campaign is raising funds for my professionally recorded album with Carter Sanders in Boston, MA. Carter is a seasoned Boston-based producer and engineer with experience working with both established and up-and-coming musicians. Together, Carter and I are digging into my original material, writing arrangements, and reaching out to local musicians to bring the songs to life. 

We’ve been able to cover the costs of recording and producing one song, which is ready for you to check out right here on this page. This first song is called “True,” and you can check it out below!

While I’ve been able to fund the recording process for "True” on my own, to create an album of songs of this quality, studio costs add up quickly. With that said, this campaign can give us a unique opportunity to collaborate and make great art together. Your donation will cover the following costs of my project:

1. Pre-Production: This is where everything starts. Carter and I will start crafting the arrangements for each song slated for the album. We’ll hold rehearsals to fine-tune the songs and arrangements and talk through new and exciting ideas for how to approach the recording process.

2. Recording: This is when we enter the studio and start capturing the music and where the songs become what you'll hear on this album. This campaign will play a huge role in making sure we have enough time to capture great performances for every member of the band.

3. Mixing & Mastering: Each track will get mixed to create the right balance between instruments, texture and color that make up a track. As a final step, the album will be mastered from beginning to end so that the listening experience is cohesive and carefully choreographed from start to finish.

And what will you get for your generosity and support? So many awesome things!

I am so appreciative and grateful for any support you can lend to this campaign. In exchange for your generosity, I've put together a really exciting group of gifts that are available exclusively through your participation in this campaign.

Check out some examples below and a full list to the right!

It's hard to express how much this project would change my life.

Going through something so profound at the prime of my life has been a struggle at times. When I saw Plaid Dog online it inspired me. It gave me hope to have help recording an album, something that had become confusing as of late. Music has pulled me through those dark times, and I believe it can inspire and heal others as well.

 My love for music runs deep. In the 70s, my Great Aunt Sina, a music teacher, encouraged me to explore any instrument I wanted. She is the person who handed me a guitar at age eight, and although I played French Horn throughout 4th grade and high school band, the guitar was my instrument of choice. She gifted me a Silverton Acoustic Guitar and a Mel Bay book, which I used to teach myself. Being self-taught, my journey was challenging but rewarding. I grew up in a musical family with parents and a sister who sang in the church choir and chorale. 

 I am driven more than ever to record a single or two that marks my foray back into folk music. My songlist is extensive, and I have a few songs that I’d love to have particular artists cover.  I've been working on new material that I'm incredibly excited about and feel ready to share with the world.

 But I can't do this alone. I need your support to bring this project to life. I’m supposed to do this! I’m not going to let my disability stop me and I want to show my daughters to never give up on their dreams. Plaid Dog thinks I have what it takes, and so must the powers that be. Your contribution will help me cover recording costs, production, and distribution. Together, we can create something beautiful and inspiring.

 Thank you for being a part of my musical journey. Let's make something amazing together.

If you're ready to contribute, just click the "Back This Project" button on the top right of this page! Every little bit counts, and I’m so grateful for all your support.

If you have folks in your network that would be interested in supporting me, please feel free to share this page with them.

Thank you so much for checking out my campaign page. I can't wait to share this music with you.