Campaign Story
My Reason Why
I make music for the people who struggle — with self-worth, with confidence, with the kind of anxiety that doesn't just go away when you want it to. I know that struggle because I've lived it.
Growing up, I dreamt of pitching at the collegiate level. I played varsity softball as a freshman, competed on high-level travel teams, and by 15 my fastball was up to 60 miles an hour. But back injuries kept finding me. I had spinal fusion surgery on my L4 and L5 vertebrae at 12, fought my way back through physical therapy, and kept pushing. Then, at a national tournament in Nashville, I pitched a complete game and got a big win — not knowing it would be the last game I'd ever pitch. Another stress fracture, another diagnosis, and eventually I had to make the hardest decision of my life: walk away from the position I loved — pitching, and likely a chance to compete on a collegiate level.
That loss, combined with anxiety that got a lot worse during COVID, left a real void. Music filled it. My dad and I started recording cover songs just to pass the time while we were stuck at home, and something in me came alive — even though I was scared to post it, scared of what people my age would think. It's been my therapy ever since, and now I get to make it for other people who need that same kind of lifeline.
I'm McKenna Faith Winters, and this is my fundraising campaign.
Up Til Now
What started as covers turned into something real. At 14, I got pulled up on stage at a bar in Nashville and felt a rush I'd never felt before. Not long after, I went to a songwriting event in Franklin, Tennessee, made connections that changed everything, and released my debut single, "I'm Doin' Country Tonight," on July 4th, 2023. Since then, I've written or co-written a growing share of my music, released 21 original songs while still in high school and competing as a student athlete, and had 8 singles hit number one on independent charts across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Last November, I won a Josie Music Award for Song of the Year, and this year I'm up for even more, including Artist of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. I've been featured live on WSM Radio at the Grand Ole Opry, performed across Milwaukee, Chicago, and Madison, played Whiskey Row and Live Oak, The Local in Nashville, and I’ve been asked to open for artists like Keith Anderson, Drew Baldridge and Parmalee.
The Next Step
Now I'm ready for the next chapter, and it's the biggest one yet. I've partnered with Edgewater Music Group to help me run this fundraising campaign, and I've got major-label distribution lined up — which means this next batch of music has a real shot at reaching farther than anything I've released before.
But getting there the right way costs real money. Recording, mixing, mastering, promotion, publicity, touring — it all adds up fast, especially for an independent artist who's still building her career. That's why I need your help.
Perks
This is a donation-based campaign, and I've got some rewards lined up to say thank you — things like an early copy of the new music, studio access, private shows, and for some of you, the chance to be credited as executive producer on this project.
How You Can Help
If I can't raise what I need, I won't be able to give this music the release it deserves — and the project could fall short or even fail altogether.
So if you believe in music that comes from real struggle and real perseverance, and in an artist who's still just getting started, I'd be so grateful for your support.
Thank You!
Thank you for listening, thank you for believing in independent music, and thank you for helping me bring this next chapter to life.
–McKenna
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: July 2027
Signed 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: July 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 - XXXL
Estimated delivery: July 2027
Meet and Greet
Hang out with McKenna before a show—either in person or virtually! Chat about music, life, and everything in between. If meeting in person, you’ll also have the opportunity to take photos together and make a lasting memory.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXXL
Estimated delivery: July 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 - XXXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Signed/Handwritten Lyrics
McKenna will send you a handwritten, signed lyric sheet of one of her 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 - XXXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Merch Pack
Merch pack includes: (1) Hoodie + (1) Logo/Graphic T-Shirt + (1) Limited Edition T-Shirt + (1) Hat + (1) Bracelet + (1) Koozie + (2pc) Sticker Set + (1) Signed How Do You Miss Me CD PLUS... Signed/Handwritten Lyrics + Meet and Greet + Early Bird Special (CD + DDL)!!
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Sponsorship
Become an official sponsor and put your brand front and center alongside McKenna’s music! Your sponsorship includes:
- Name & logo prominently displayed on the stage banner and at the merch table
- Sponsored social media posts featuring your business or brand
- VIP access to live shows giving you the opportunity to experience McKenna’s performances up close
It’s a great way to support McKenna’s music while putting your brand in front of her audience both in person and online.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Live Acoustic Trio Show
Host a private acoustic performance with McKenna and two of her band members in your living room, backyard, or wherever you gather your people. This is a stripped-down, up-close show — real songs, real stories, and a night your friends and family won’t forget. Perfect for house concerts, dinner parties, birthdays, or special occasions.
*Note: Includes travel within 100 miles of Machesney Park, IL. 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 - XXXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Guest List for Life
Be on McKenna's 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 - XXXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Full Band Private Show
Get the full-band experience at a location of your choosing 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 Machesney Park, IL. Additional travel or lodging expenses may apply outside that range.
*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027
Executive Producer
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 - XXXL
Estimated delivery: April 2027