Hello world! My name is Thomas Clukey and I'm a singer-songwriter here in the beautiful State of Maine.

From an early age, I found joy in music—playing the trumpet, singing, and whistling tunes while doing chores on the farm or exploring the beauty of Maine. Initially, I pursued a path in music education, but even though I didn't become an educator, music remained a constant companion in my life. These experiences have deeply influenced my songwriting, allowing me to pour my stories and melodies into my music. Now, I'm excited to share the sounds in my head and heart with all of you.

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 Mike Davidson in Boston, MA. Mike is a seasoned Boston-based producer and engineer with 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. 

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 “Freedom’s Calling (Shovel),” and you can check it out below!

While I’ve been able to fund the recording process for "Freedom’s Calling (Shovel)” 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. 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 been my steadfast companion through life's ups and downs, teaching me lessons I couldn't have learned otherwise. It's a universal language that brings people together, connecting our hearts and minds. After years of personal growth, I'm ready to share these songs that have guided me through tough times. Through my music, I hope to build a sense of community and connection, 

Starting this project is a dream come true. A successful debut album can be a game-changer for an artist, serving as a powerful introduction and laying the groundwork for the future. It has the potential to resonate deeply with listeners, creating shared experiences that go beyond individual stories. 

Your support will bring this vision to life, allowing us to create something beautiful together. By contributing, you're not just backing an album; you're joining a community united by the love of music and shared human experiences. Let's make this dream a reality!

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.