Talented performer from Door County seeking contributions for upcoming album after long hiatus
Doc Heide, a well-known Door County musical theater performer and co-founder of Northern Sky Theater, is embarking on a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for his first album of original songs in two decades. This Kickstarter campaign is set to run until June 10, aiming to support the production of Heide’s new album, titled “Birthplace of the Thunder.”
“Birthplace of the Thunder” will be released under Heide’s band name, Zen of Thieves, and is expected to feature 10 original songs written by Heide himself. Having previously released three albums, this new project marks Heide’s return to recording his own music after a long hiatus. His debut album, “Lessons I Learned from the Moon,” was produced by his Northern Sky co-founder Fred Alley in 1990 and received critical acclaim, leading to an invitation to perform at the Kerrville Folk Festival.
Reflecting on his decision to work on a new album after so many years, Heide shared that he has accumulated a significant amount of material and songs over time, enough to possibly fill multiple albums. Additionally, with no roles lined up for him at Northern Sky this summer, Heide saw an opportunity to focus on this musical project.
While Heide acknowledges the financial challenges of recording an album, he remains committed to bringing his music to life. With a Kickstarter goal of $20,500, Heide aims to cover recording costs, CD pressing, album art, and other expenses associated with the project. The campaign offers various rewards for backers, ranging from CDs and T-shirts to exclusive credits and house concerts with Heide.
“The hope is that it uplifts people,” Heide expressed regarding his upcoming album. Collaborating with seasoned performers like Steve Koehler, Amy Chaffee, Karen Mal, and Lee Becker, Heide looks to create a diverse and engaging musical experience. The album’s producer, Grammy Award-winning artist Eric Lewis, brings his expertise to the project, further enhancing the quality of the recordings.
Featuring a mix of new compositions and older unreleased songs, “Birthplace of the Thunder” will showcase Heide’s distinctive musical style rooted in folk and rock influences. Songs like “All Shall Be Well” and “The World As I Found It” offer a glimpse into Heide’s reflective and dreamy songwriting, reminiscent of the mystical ambiance of his acclaimed debut album.
As the Kickstarter campaign nears its deadline, supporters have rallied behind Heide’s musical endeavor, with pledges surpassing $15,800 as of May 26. If the funding goal is met, Heide plans to complete the album’s recording process by the end of the year and release it to the public. With the support of his community and music lovers, Doc Heide is on track to deliver a long-awaited musical masterpiece that will captivate audiences with its heartfelt melodies and soulful storytelling.