The River Cryers launch Kickstarter for debut album

The River Cryers, a Nashville Americana rock band made up of veteran musicians from Jars of Clay, White Heart and other acts, is crowdfunding its self-titled debut album on Kickstarter from Aug. 11 to Sept. 10. Backers can get early access to the album plus vinyl, CDs and other rewards as the band looks to fund release and promotion.

Why it matters: - The River Cryers are using fan funding to launch a debut album built around veteran players with an established track record in Christian rock, Americana and soundtrack work. - The campaign could help finance both the album release and promotion to Americana radio. - Backers can get first access to the music and exclusive rewards before the general public.

What happened: - The River Cryers started a Kickstarter campaign on Aug. 11 for their self-titled debut album. - The campaign runs 30 days, ending Sept. 10, 2026. - The band is made up of Dan Haseltine, Billy Smiley, Steve Hindalong, Ron Hemby and Matt Nelson. - The group is based in Nashville and described as an Adult Alternative/Americana band.

The details: - Dan Haseltine handles lead vocals and keys, with credits including Jars of Clay and “The Chosen” soundtracks. - Billy Smiley plays guitar and provides background vocals, with credits from White Heart. - Steve Hindalong plays drums, harmonica and background vocals, with credits from The Choir and Sixpence None the Richer. - Ron Hemby contributes lead vocals, bass and guitar, with credits from The Imperials and Eaglemaniacs. - Matt Nelson plays guitar, bass, cello and background vocals, with credits on “The Chosen” soundtracks and as a composer and multi-instrumentalist. - The five musicians have sold more than 13 million albums across their previous groups. - The band has co-written 11 songs for the album. - The River Cryers describe the music as multi-harmony rock in the vein of CSNY, The Byrds, Tom Petty and The Eagles. - The lead single “Cry Me a River” is finished, along with a video that will be part of the campaign. - Richard Dodd will master the album after working on projects for George Harrison, Tom Petty, Bob Scaggs, Wilco, Robert Plant, The Black Keys, Traveling Wilburys and Steve Earle, among others. - Galaxy21 Productions, led by Dan and Lisa Michaels, is administering the Kickstarter campaign. - Dan Michaels previously served for decades as head of marketing for INO/Fair Trade Records. - Kickstarter backers will be able to receive digital downloads, CDs and vinyl before the album reaches the general public. - Reward tiers also include handwritten lyrics, instruments used during the writing and recording process, collectibles from the band members’ other groups and personal visits with band members. - The River Cryers are also featured on the soundtrack for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” which was Lionsgate’s top-grossing film title in 2024. - Further details are available in the campaign page.

Between the lines: - The campaign leans on the members’ pre-existing fan bases and industry reputations to build early momentum. - The pitch is not only about recording costs. It also aims to fund a push toward Americana broadcasters. - The band’s message suggests the project began informally and later became a formal group effort. - Manager Mark Hollingsworth is positioning the record as radio-friendly and strongly rooted in classic harmony-rock influences.

What's next: - The Kickstarter will continue through Sept. 10, with fans able to choose from music and memorabilia rewards. - If funding goals are met, the band expects to support release plans and promotion around the album. - The debut album will move toward wider release after the campaign ends.