Monte Pittman — who has recorded and toured with PRONG in addition to playing guitar for Madonna and "American Idol" finalist Adam Lambert — has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help cover the cost of recording his next "heavy" album, "M.P.3: The Power Of Three, Pt. 2".

Says Pittman: "As some say the music business is bleak and will never be what it was before, musicians have never had a more promising future for getting their music out there to the public. More and more bands, artists, and entrepreneurs are turning to Kickstarter to seek funding for their project. The artist has complete freedom and YOU are now the record label.

"Almost two years ago now, I was completely blown away (and overwhelmed!) by the support of my first Kickstarter project for my second album, 'Pain, Love, & Destiny'. Again, I want to thank everyone who supported that. The album was an incredible success for me mainly because people tell me how much both them and their kids love it or that it hasn't left their CD player since they first got it — over a year ago...

"Now I'm on to my third album, 'M.P.3: The Power Of Three'. It's coming out in three parts because I have songs that fall into three different categories. 'M.P.3: The Power Of Three, Pt. 1' was released (download only on iTunes and CD Baby — go get it!) on November 19th, 2012. It contains four stripped down, acoustic and vocal songs.

"My current project is for 'M.P.3: The Power Of Three, Pt. 2'... the heavy one... You will hear some clips of the demos in the video [see below].

"I have 10 songs written and ready to go. There are no slow songs on this one. Just songs that make you want to drive fast or run fast. If some of you know me from when I had my band MYRA MAINS in Texas, I've kind of gone back to a little bit of that... It's funny how music revolves in cycles...

"Joining me in the studio will be Kane Ritchotte on drums and Max Whipple on bass. Two of my favorite musicians I've ever played with. We are recording at the end of January/early February in Copenhagen with producer Flemming Rasmussen [METALLICA, MORBID ANGEL, EVILE] at Winding Road Studios. Flemming recorded 'M.P.3: The Power Of Three, Pt. 1' as well as a few of my all-time favorite albums. It's a complete honor to be working with him.

"I wasn't sure if I was going to do another Kickstarter project for this album. The last one is still one of the most successfully funded albums from the rock music genre and it was a lot of work. After some people asked if I would do another one, I thought about it and it IS a great experience to have everyone involved.

"I'm keeping the goal low at $5,000.00. If that's all I raise, then at least it will help with out with airfare and hotels (we are flying to Denmark to do this!). I am hoping it does much better than that, of course. Making albums is expensive!!! Not only are there flights, hotels, and shipping gear overseas. There is also studio costs, mastering costs, album artwork, and paying the musicians.

"There are certain incentives that I wouldn't do again but certain ones I would definitely do again. I get asked about guitar lessons often but because of my touring schedule, it's hard to do. That's something that is staying in the incentive list. With the quality of technology we have today, I can teach you over the computer anywhere in the world. House parties were a big hit and a lot of fun last time. Let's do it again! I'm not making physical CDs of this until all 3 parts are out (yes, there is a part 3!).

"There will be 'random tokens of appreciation' to ALL backers from me to you just to say thanks...every #MonteMonday beginning at the launch date. (whether this gets funded or not).

"Whether you choose to support this project or not, please — ALWAYS support your local and independent music. There are so many cool projects you will find here on Kickstarter. Very clever and talented artists. There's something here for you and for someone you know..."