WOODVILLE – Woodville’s own first lady of song, Kim Cruse, is looking to the public to help bring her most recent project into full fruition.
The singer/songwriter, who has been touring and releasing songs independently since her fall 2022 run on NBC’s The Voice, recently wrapped up recording her debut long-playing album. The project was recorded at Warm Studios in Austin, and Cruse said the process has taken “two years of hard work, dedication and countless hours in the studio.”
Cruse said the album she has recorded is close to being ready for release, and should be in little more than a month, but it needs to reach its final mixing stage before it is ready for the public to hear.
In audio production, mixing is the process where audio engineers balance all recorded tracks into a single, balanced and cohesive mix that suits the artist’s sound as well as the songs, themselves.
Cruse said in addition to the final production tasks, she is looking to raise money to cover promotional expenses to help get the word out about her project and to produce merchandise for an album release event. She is looking to raise $5,000, and said she is reaching out to family, friends and her community to help.
“This project means the world to me, and I’m beyond excited to share it with all of you,” she said.
Standing out from the crowd is difficult for an independent music artist, even one as noteworthy as Cruse, whose retro R&B sound and catchy, melodic songs have already captured a following.
According to an article from the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NRFA) that lays out many of the struggles faced by indie musicians, limited resources and exposure are two of the top factors keeping many artists and bands from being heard by the general public.
Crowdfunding, as well as applying for grants, have become popular ways for independent artists to fund projects, and platforms such as Kickstarter; Go Fund Me and Patreon have helped artists generate income while releasing new music.
Aside from her national spotlight-grabbing successful run on The Voice, Cruse has released projects independently, such as her 2021 five-song, eponymously titled EP, which featured “Actions” and “Daydreamin’,” songs which have racked up considerable airplay on streaming services. She also released the singles “Cry” in 2023 and “Two Hearts” last year.
“Every contribution – big or small – will make a difference and help bring this project to life. If you’re able to donate or if you know of any businesses that would like to help sponsor, it would mean the world to me,” she said.
Donations to Cruse’s project can be delivered via Zelle, with the handle BookKimCruse@gmail.com; on Venmo at KimCruseOfficial and she also has CashApp, which she said she will give instructions on if anyone private messages her through Facebook.
“I’m so grateful for all the love and support I’ve already received, and I can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you,” she said.
