Matthew Mayfield thought his musical career was off to a tremendous start after signing with Epic Records in 2005. After releasing one album on a major label with his band Moses Mayfield in the early part of 2007, he quickly realized things weren't going to be as easy as he'd hoped.

"We spent lots of their money making a big record, opening big tours, and believing big promises. The wheels eventually fell off, and we realized this isn't about overnight success. You have to work your ass off just to get by. You have to keep paying your dues and keep paying your dues and keep paying your dues," Mayfield says.

In 2008, Matthew Mayfield broke out on his own, recording and releasing no less than 7 EP's in just under 3 years. He recorded the albums at home, and toured when he could in his car, but the music was pouring out of him and the EP's kept his fans interested -- and coming back for more. His latest EP, 2010's Matthew Mayfield & The Blue Cut Robbery went to #1 on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter charts. Grey's Anatomy even came calling on occasion, using 2 tracks from his collection of EP's in episodes in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

In May of 2010, Mayfield had 30 songs he still hadn't recorded. To make his new album, Now You're Free, Matthew raised $14,000 via Pledge Music by selling handwritten lyrics, living room demos, studio artifacts, drumheads, guitar heads, etc. – to his fans.