Who I Am & What I’m Working On

Hey you, I’m Amanda (she/they) and I’m a queer, Canadian artist, writer, and maker who’s been living, working, and performing in Chicago for the past decade. I believe that art is the most potent window to humanity and collective healing. I’ve seen it first hand over and over again with the community of artists I am so grateful to call my home, and I also know that it is the quickest path for someone to read or listen to something and think: “I’m not alone.” They hear the sadness in a singers’ voice and it allows them to feel seen in their own grief. They read a story about divorce and it brings peace to their heart about their decision to finally leave.

Experiencing someone else’s words and music has changed me over and over again, and been a soft place to land through my own journey. It’s my hope that everything I put out feels like a homecoming. I’ve been compiling content for my second book & first album for the last 3 years, and I’m so excited to be here — getting this unique work centering love, grief, liberation, divorce, & beyond into the world.

I cannot do this alone. And that’s where you come in. Every little bit helps, whether you have $25 to offer or multiple thousands. Your support of me and this project means the absolute world to me. Thank you for being here.

What We Need & What You Get By Supporting!

Getting a book and an album into the world takes a lot of capital:

• the lower budget cost for producing an album is $15,000 – $20,000 — think hiring a producer, working with instrumentalists, sound editing, the cost of production rental, etc.
• I’m looking to hire an illustrator, designer, and editor for my book, which can cost anywhere from $10,000 – $15,000
• not to mention, it would be nice to, for a change, get some type of salary for the work I do as an artist and writer! 

The minimum I need to really get this project off the ground is $25,000. $50,000 is the goal and damn, would it be magic. Regardless, I will be putting whatever I raise into bringing this project to life. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again. This project is my baby — it means everything to me. So thank you, again, for being here.

The perks, depending on which tier makes the most sense for your budget/desires, include: personalized cards from yours truly, a physical copy of the book & vinyl (option of signed first edition copies), a digital download of the album, being listed as a major donor in the books’ acknowledgments & a 1:1 zoom call with Amanda so she can personally thank you. 

The Impact

The last time I fundraised for a project like this was for my debut novel, I Chopped Off My Tits. Releasing that into the world was such a success and has changed thousands of lives — especially those who have had to navigate the world of breast cancer.

I know so many queer, divorced humans and folks that love “differently” who spend a lot of their lives not feeling seen. I know this project will help move the needle on that and contribute to a landscape of underserved communities. By being here, you get to be a part of that. 

Risks & Challenges

While I’ve self-published a book before, I have never gone through the process of making an album. I’m very excited about this venture, and I also know that what that process will be able to look like will vary depending on how much capital is raised. 

I’ve already reached out to a lot of folks I know in the producing, illustrating and designer side of the industry for resources of varying budgets so, regardless, something magical will come from this. And — the raw material? My writing. My songs. I’m really proud of it. I’ve never been prouder of anything I’ve created, and I can’t wait to officially put it all into the world in this way.

Other Ways You Can Help

I get it, times are tight and maybe contributing financially is out of the question right now. No sweat! 

• Get the word out and send this link to folks in your sphere and on social media!
• Add me on Instagram @liveyourfuckyeslife and @amandagilesperforms 
• Follow along & join my newsletter at: www.liveyourfuckyeslife.com

Big love,

Amanda