Join the first EP of Slands Project: Slices

Hello everyone!

Thank you so much for reaching this page and showing interest in Slands Project. Let me tell you (and in the video above) all about this project and how you can help us release our first EP.

Slands Project

Slands Project is the musical ensemble led by Juan Slands (guitarist), who has surrounded himself with friends and amazing musicians to bring ideas, riffs, and melodies to life and turn them into funk/rock/jazz songs with a lot of groove.

The project is based on original compositions by Juan Slands, which include everything from funky guitar riffs to contemporary jazz pieces, referencing our major influences such as Vulfpeck, Snarky Puppy, Tom Misch, Parcels, and more. Now, I just need your help to make it happen!

First EP: In this debut work, I’ve captured the ideas, feelings, and experiences that have accompanied me in recent years. It features five songs of different styles that share a common thread and form Slices, the name of the EP.

The EP will only be available in digital format, as this simplifies both the logistics and the budget. However, if the project succeeds and Slices is well received, it might pave the way for a future LP release in all formats :)

Who are Slands Project?

• Juan Titos - Electric guitar and composition: Yes, that's my real name, and Slands is my musical nickname :) I’ve been tied to the guitar since I was eight, starting with classical guitar at the conservatory in Cádiz. Since then, I’ve studied at schools, played with bands, and completed a degree in music at the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona, where I met all the members of this group.

• Ángela Quiralte - Vocals: Born in Córdoba, she never hits a wrong note and sight-reads better than a saxophonist. We met at the Liceu and formed the duo Room 21, with which we still perform bossa novas and jazz standards in Barcelona venues. If Ángela's voice doesn’t move you, nothing will.

• Nil Casals - Drums: I met him at the first BLAM (a modern music group organized by the Conservatori del Liceu), and from that moment, I knew I wanted the sound of his snare in my songs. He gives us subdivision, energy, and is the drummer for half the musical projects in Barcelona.

• Sergi Zaragoza - Keyboards: We met at the second BLAM, and his ability to enhance the songs made me want him in my project. His musical versatility and mastery of sounds/effects provide the texture and detail that this project needs.

• Xavi Veres - Bass: A Barcelonian and lover of bass guitars with many strings. He was the last one I added to my team, but his excellent note placement and impeccable timing make him perfect for this project.

The costs of releasing an EP and the purpose of your donations

From composing the first note of a song to hearing it on a digital platform, many steps are involved, each with its own monetary and personal time cost. Your help is essential for this self-managed project to move through the necessary stages so you can hear the songs on various platforms as soon as possible. Here’s how the budget will be distributed:

• Recording the songs: This is the only step that’s already been completed. We recorded the tracks at Heartwork Recording Studio, with Gerard as our recording engineer. €500

• Mixing the songs: This will be done by the fantastic Mario deFinis, ensuring they sound amazing. €350

• Mastering: This will be carried out by Grammy-winner Erik Aldrey from Miami. €375

• Musicians’ fees: €400

• Music promotion and marketing: To follow industry norms and get Slands Project’s groove into playlists, a solid promotional campaign is necessary. According to industry experts, 40-50% of the budget should be allocated to this. Therefore: €800

Total approximate cost: €2400

Exclusive rewards for being a Slands Project patron

Due to the digital nature of this EP’s production, most of the rewards for contributors will also be digital:

• Early access to the full EP before its official release. The songs will be released throughout 2025, but you’ll get to hear them all beforehand.

• Access to a live stream where we’ll perform some of the EP’s songs.

• Exclusive access to videos explaining the creative process behind Slices and how to manage a band from the leader’s perspective.

• Q&A session with all the band members about the EP or music in general.

• Access to a playlist curated by the Slands Project members, featuring songs that inspired (or helped shape) the tracks on Slices.

• Handwritten sheet music signed by all band members for one of the songs (this is the only physical reward).

• Tickets to one of the Slands Project concerts planned for 2025.

• Guitar lesson with Juan Slands (40 minutes).

• Custom cover: Choose any song you like, and we’ll create our version of it.

In the rewards section, you’ll find different packages to choose from. You can also make a donation without expecting anything in return—it’s equally appreciated. No matter how little you can contribute, every bit helps make this project a reality.

Timeline and release schedule

The mixing for Slices is expected to be completed by mid-to-late January. Mastering will follow in February, and we plan to release Slands Project’s first song in April 2025.

Rewards will be delivered between March and June 2025 as the campaign progresses.

Of course, those with early access to the songs will receive them before the official release, and the other digital events will be scheduled during these months.

If you want to hear how Slands Project sounds

Here’s a live performance of Slands Project, where we play some of the songs featured on the EP:

• Follow the project on Instagram

• We’re also on YouTube