Being an independent band — that is, unsigned to a major record label — we’ve been free to write and record tunes as we like, without pressure from a record executive looking for a “certain sound.” As the recording industry chokes and sputters in the wake of the Internet revolution, we’re riding the crest of the Do-It-Yourself movement and we’re proud to call ourseves an indie band. We’ve come this far with our own money, and now we need your help.

We’re looking to our fans to help finance our new record “The Western Shore”. The record sounds fantastic so far, because we’ve spent many, many more hours working on this record than any of our previous releases. This time, we’ve enlisted respected producer John Doyle, as well as award-winning vocalist Moira Smiley (VOCO) and Scottish percussionist Fraser Stone (Old Blind Dogs). You can hear two sneak preview mixes on our MySpace page.

Think of it like a PBS pledge break. In effect, you’d become a patron to the band. Shakespeare had his patron — Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton. And in the Celtic music world, Turlough O’Carolan wrote many, many tunes in honor of people who were kind enough to provide him with food and lodging. Hey, if it was good enough for the Bard, it’s good enough for us!

Most of the expenses are already covered, but we need about $20k more to get this record out the door. (If each person on our mailing list contributed $10, that would do it!) We’ve set up a tiered system that ranges from a $10 donation to a $2,000 donation. (Of course, if you’re willing to donate more than two grand, who are we to turn you down?) In return for your patronage, you earn unique donor premiums, and become a part of the Molly’s Revenge team. Here’s how the pledge levels break down:

TIN SUPPORTER $10 gets you a free download of three recently recorded bonus tracks. We recorded three more songs than we’re putting on the new CD, “The Western Shore.” For your donation, you get those three non-album tracks. You’ll also receive a special Thank You Certificate from the band.

IRON CLANSMAN $25 gets you a free download of “The Western Shore (Extended).” This includes our new full-length album, plus those three non-album bonus tracks, as well as the special Thank You Certificate.

BRONZE WARRIOR $50 gets you our new CD “The Western Shore (Extended)” signed by each member of the band, which includes the three bonus track download, and one raffle ticket that could earn you a free Del Eckels bodhran, signed by the band and John Doyle. Del makes David’s bodhran, as well those played by many fine bodhran-ers around the world. You’ll also receive the special Thank You Certificate.

BRASS PIPER $100 gets you all the donor premiums of the BRONZE WARRIOR listed above, plus a special custom Molly’s Revenge t-shirt identifying you as a Patron.

COPPER CHIEFTAIN $250 gets you all the donor premiums of the BRASS PIPER listed above (except you receive 5 raffle tickets, rather than just one), and a CD mailed to you of a dedication track specially for you. You can request us to perform any of our tunes and we’ll dedicate it to anyone; we’ll contact you for the specifics after you make your pledge.

SILVER COMMANDER $500 gets you all the COPPER CHIEFTAIN donor premiums listed above, except instead of a simple tune dedication, we’ll actually WRITE a tune named after and inspired by you (or a loved one you choose), with the framed sheet music and a CD of a band member playing your tune mailed to you. We’ll contact you for the specifics after you make your pledge.

GOLD TANIST $1000 gets you all the SILVER COMMANDER donor premiums listed above, plus your name credited on “The Western Shore” liner notes as Executive Producer. You’ll also get an Executive Producer t-shirt to make you feel, you know, executive.

PLATINUM CHIEF $2000 gets you all the GOLD TANIST donor premiums listed above, plus a private house concert featuring Molly’s Revenge. Your friends will love you for this one, unless you decide to charge them a cover, and even then they’ll still like you a lot. (Additional charge may be required for travel; contact us for questions.)