Overview

Hello world! My name is Shireen Amini, and I'm a singer-songwriter here in the lovely high desert town of  Bend, Oregon.

I’ve been making music since I could hold a fake microphone and lip sync to Madonna’s 80s hit, “Isla Bonita.” My journey of becoming, both as a human and a musician, has been blessed with  peaks and valleys, cultural experiences I will never regret, and so many incredible opportunities to play alongside a number of wonderful people. Songwriting has always been at the heart of me, but until I knew who I really was and what I truly cared about, I could not bring my songs forward with full confidence...until now. I’ve got a soul ready to speak, if yours is ready to listen.

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

This campaign is raising funds for my professionally recorded album with Mike Davidson in Boston, MA. Mike is a Boston-based producer and engineer with 15+ years of experience working with both established and up-and-coming musicians. Together, Mike and I are digging into my original material, writing arrangements, and reaching out to local musicians to bring the songs to life. 

Back in February, I set the process in motion to make this album with Mike and Plaid Dog. I wanted to share a taste of this record with you all, so I made plans to travel to Boston and record my new single, “Homesick” at Mike’s studio. I was just about to head to  the airport when things really took a turn with the pandemic crisis. I haven’t made it to Boston yet, but I will, and I know this album will be worth the wait!

In the meantime, with the assistance of some pretty amazing technology, Mike helped me finish a demo of “Homesick” remotely! You can check out the demo below for free!

This demo will give you a good feel for what this album will be like if this campaign reaches its goal. If we’re successful, I’ll be able to get back in the studio with Mike to record the rest of the album, and create a fully produced version of this first single, “Homesick” I’m so excited  for this project to come together –– but of course, before I can make that happen, I need your help!

While I’ve been able to fund this initial recording process for "Homesick" so far, to create an album of songs with full production and professional 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. Mike 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.

Music has taken me on a journey from being cautious and fearful to being more brave and authentic. That’s the person coming through on this album. It’s taken a lot of personal healing work to get here and, now more than ever, it feels important for me to bring all of myself out into the open, passionate heart, queerness and all! Not just for my sake, but to empower others on a similar journey. I’ve written songs that speak my truth more boldly, that are conscious in theme, uplifting, easy to sing along with, danceable and can be medicine for people. I want to share them with the world and weave a stronger, tighter web of community!

I have had the great fortune of having supportive parents and family, receiving incredible exposure to music of the world through my schooling, growing my songwriting craft through a strong Central Oregon arts community, accompanying other artists on percussion, teaching youth singing and drumming groups, performing Latin dance rock with my band familia, and studying music as medicine in San Francisco. It ALL has been a gift that has brought me to where I am today, ready to take the next big leap.

With the current state of our world and the majority of my work having been centered around live performance and community gatherings, this recording project is key for me to keep myself moving toward my greater career goals. It’s also deeply important to me that I use my platform as an artist to advocate for healing, awakening, and meaningful change in our world. No doubt this album will raise my platform, giving my message the chance to reach more people and have a greater impact. With your support, I will channel my voice, passion, and creativity into something new and beautiful that we have made 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.

To make your contribution more meaningful, a portion of funds raised will go to support the Center for Disaster Philanthropy COVID-19 Response Fund.

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.