Howdy Friends! I’m Carolyn Shapiro, a singer, songwriter, and banjo player on a mission to share music that feeds the soul like a good home-cooked meal. After years of writing songs and performing, my banjo and I are doing something big… recording our first full-length album!

About the album

This album has been five years in the making. Written through love, loss, heartbreak, and healing, these songs capture a time of massive change in my life. This album is a story of transformation. It is a journey of highs and lows through the messy, beautiful process of growing into yourself.

Why now?

I’m proud of these songs and I’m ready to share them with the world. My first two EPs were recorded in home studios with friends whenever we had the time. But for this project, I was craving a different experience: something focused, intentional, and immersive.

Then I connected with producer Nick Bullock. His studio in the woods outside of Nashville offered exactly what I was looking for: a dedicated space to fully dive into the recording process and give these songs the production they deserve.

Making the record

With your help, I’ll be recording a 10-track album at Freda Recording. I’ll spend a week in the studio working with new people, arranging songs, capturing performances, and giving the music the attention it deserves.

This is where you come in

The goal is $15,000 to cover much of the cost of making this album. This includes:

Studio time and production with Nick Bullock
Session musicians & engineering
Mixing and mastering

Anything beyond our goal will expand what is possible in the studio and cover additional expenses such as travel, lodging, video production, and album distribution.

When you back this project, you’re helping make the music happen—and you get something special in return for being part of it.

$25 – Early Digital Download
Hear the album before anyone else with a pre-release digital download.
$50 – Signed CD Bundle
Signed CD, digital download, and a campaign-exclusive sticker.
$100 – Tote + CD Bundle
Tote bag, signed CD, digital download, and Carolyn’s favorite recipe cards.
$250 – Carolyn’s Swag Bag
Tote bag, signed CD + digital download, homemade herbal tea, marigold seeds, recipe cards, and homemade jam.
$500 – Banjo Lesson
A private clawhammer banjo lesson with Carolyn.
$1,000 – House Concert
Host Carolyn for a cozy concert in your home or backyard. (Travel may apply.)

Crowdfunding lets independent artists like me create something with our community. By backing this campaign, you’re not just funding an album, you’re helping me take the next step in my creative life.

Every contribution makes a difference. Choose a reward or dollar amount that feels right for you, and if you can’t give right now, you can still help in a huge way by sharing this campaign with your friends, family, or anyone who loves the banjo. However you show your support, I appreciate you for making this possible.

So thank you for believing in me and being part of this journey. I can’t wait to dive in and make something beautiful together.

Much love and more banjo,

Carolyn

Good Music, Made from Scratch: Carolyn's First Full-Length Album

By Carolyn Shapiro Music

Good Music, Made from Scratch: Carolyn's First Full-Length Album

A community-funded record about the messy, beautiful process of becoming yourself