Campaign Story
My Why
I’ve been making music for as long as I can remember.
When I was five years old, there was already a guitar in my hands. I used to play it backwards and upside down because I’m left-handed — I didn’t know any better, I just knew I had to play. That never really changed.
Melodies have always just… lived in my head.
They show up when I’m driving, when I’m half asleep, sometimes I wake up with them already there. For years, I’d scramble to write them down before they disappeared. Now it’s voice memos — mumbling ideas into my phone so I don’t lose them. The lyrics might take time, but the melodies are always there.
And at this point, not making music isn’t really an option.
It’s not something I chose — it’s just how I’m wired. These songs keep showing up, and I feel responsible for them. Like it’s my job to bring them into the world.
Right now, I’ve got about seventeen songs that are nearly finished… and honestly, I believe this is the best music I’ve ever written.
My name is Scott Schaafsma of Kerosene Stars, and this is my fundraising campaign.
Up 'Til Now
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build a life around music — touring as a bassist up and down the East Coast, playing cities like New York, Boston, and DC, and working in just about every major venue in the Chicago market — places like Metro, Schubas, Lincoln Hall, and Double Door.
Kerosene Stars itself has taken on a life of its own over time. We’ve had the chance to play the Cavern Club in Liverpool — three times now — which, if you’re a Beatles fan like I am, is about as surreal as it gets. Standing on that stage, you can feel the history.
I’ve shared stages and worked alongside a wide range of artists over the years, performing with bands connected to artists like Bob Dylan, Faith No More, and Bob Mould. I’ve also recorded with a number of artists across different genres, which has shaped how I hear and approach music today.
Kerosene Stars has been written about in outlets like the Chicago Sun-Times, Rock and Roll Globe, and The Big Takeover, and we’ve continued to grow through festivals, touring, and building audiences in cities like Chicago and Houston.
Beyond the US, we’ve had international radio airplay across Australia, Germany, Brazil, Spain, France, and the UK.
But through all of that, the core has always stayed the same.
It comes back to the songs.
And right now, these songs feel different. More focused. More honest. Like everything I’ve done up to this point has been leading here.
The Next Step
To bring this record to life the way it deserves, I’ve partnered with Edgewater Music Group. We’ve got a real plan in place — not just to record the album, but to release it properly — with major-label distribution already lined up to get this music out on a much bigger scale.
But making a record at that level isn’t cheap.
Studio time, musicians, production, mixing, mastering, marketing — it all adds up quickly. And like most independent artists, I’ve been doing this on my own for a long time.
That’s why I’m asking for your support.
How You Can Help
I need to hit my campaign goal in order to be able to do this thing the right way. If we hit the goal, we make the record the right way. If we don’t, we don’t move forward at this level.
So if you believe in independent music… if you believe in artists who’ve put in the time, and are still pushing forward… I’d really appreciate you being part of this.
Your support helps take these songs from ideas in my head… to something real, something lasting, something people can carry with them.
And I truly believe this record is worth that.
I can’t wait for you to hear it.
–Scott
Monetary Donation
If you would like to support the campaign without receiving any rewards
($10 minimum)
Digital Download
Digital download of the record we’re making!
Estimated delivery: April 2027
CD
Get your physical copy of the music to go along with the digital download of the new record on release day!
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Limited Edition T-Shirt
A limited edition shirt made just for this project — available only through this campaign and never sold anywhere else. Grab it while it exists.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Name in Record Thank You's
Your name will be included in the official album credits as a personal thank you for helping bring this record to life.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Early Bird Special
Hear the finished record before it’s released to the public. You’ll get exclusive early access so you can experience the music ahead of everyone else.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: January 2027
Signed/Handwritten Lyrics
Scott will send you a handwritten, signed lyric sheet of one of the band's songs. A one-of-a-kind artifact from the way the music was originally written.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: January 2027
Private Lesson
Join me for a one-on-one session tailored entirely to you. Whether you'd like a private music lesson, help developing your songwriting skills, feedback on a song you're working on, or a collaborative writing session, we'll spend dedicated time focused on your goals and creative growth.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: January 2027
The Complete Song Archive
Step inside the creative process and own a complete evolution of a song from start to finish. You'll receive every major stage of development, including:
- The original voice memo where the idea was first captured
- The melody translated to guitar and fleshed out into an early arrangement
- A full-band demo featuring the complete instrumentation and melody
- The final mastered version of the song
This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a simple spark becomes a fully realized recording—a musical time capsule documenting the entire journey from inspiration to finished product.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: January 2027
Studio Visit
Visit the recording studio during one day of our tracking sessions to get a behind-the-scenes look into what goes into making a professional studio record (must comply with all studio rules and regulations).
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: January 2027
Duo Acoustic Show
Scott will come to your house and perform a living room or backyard duo acoustic show for your friends and family! Perfect for house or dinner parties, birthdays, anniversaries, or other small gatherings.
*Note: Includes travel within 300 miles of Houston. Additional travel or lodging expenses may apply outside that range and scheduling may align with tour dates.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: January 2027
Guest List For Life
Be on Kerosene Stars' guest list FOR LIFE! Includes a +1
*Note: public headliner shows only; 72 hours notice required
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: January 2027
Full Band Private Show
Get the full-band experience at a location of your choosing—a 90-minute set with the sound, feel, and momentum of a real concert, built for your crowd and your space. Perfect for private parties, events, or anyone who wants more than just an acoustic set.
*Note: Includes travel within 300 miles of Houston. Additional travel or lodging expenses may apply outside that range and scheduling may align with tour dates. PA/sound not included.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: January 2027
Executive Producer
The ultimate prize pack—take a lead role in bringing this record to life. As an Executive Producer, your name will be formally credited on the album across all releases — a permanent part of the project and its story. This is the highest level of support, and it comes with every perk included.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: January 2027