Since forming in 2022, the Salt Water Ensemble has commissioned and premiered six new chamber works from composers across Belgium and the Netherlands, alongside a standard chamber repertoire.

None of that commissioned work has been recorded. Salt Water Sessions is a four-day studio recording of the three strongest pieces from those three years, produced for digital release and a limited vinyl pressing.

The recording gives the commissioned composers a lasting document of work that otherwise exists only in the memory of a handful of live audiences, and gives the ensemble something to send to venues and festivals beyond Belgium.

Three years of commissioned new work exists only as live performance; this recording is the only plan to preserve it.

Louise Vermeer studied cello at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent and has performed with chamber groups across the Low Countries. She founded the Salt Water Ensemble in 2022 to focus specifically on new commissioned chamber work.

Louise Vermeer (cello, production lead), the four other members of the Salt Water Ensemble, and the three commissioned composers whose work is being recorded.

Studio hire, four days: €3,200. Engineer and mixing: €2,400. Mastering: €800. Vinyl pressing (200 copies): €1,600.

At the minimum amount, the ensemble would proceed with a digital-only release and postpone the vinyl pressing to a later date.

Studio availability is booked but not yet paid for; if the campaign doesn't reach the minimum by the closing date, the booking will be released and rescheduled rather than the campaign proceeding underfunded.

€12 — digital download of the finished album on release. €35 — the above plus your name in the album credits. €60 — the above plus a numbered vinyl copy.

Studio time has been provisionally booked at a reduced non-profit rate; no funds have yet been raised toward the recording itself.