Love For A Lifetime
Since I started writing songs over 35 years ago one thing has remained consistent. I write for the gap. When I have an ‘aha’ moment; something that I’m drawn to sing – if I can’t find a song already written that expresses it, that gap becomes my songwriting assignment and I do my best to fill it. A few years ago, I started noticing a gap; a lack of songs about long, faithful love. Not just songs about ‘falling in love’ and initial attraction, but about love that lasts a lifetime. And so, I began to write, not just sparked by the love that Joyce and I have shared since we started dating in 1981, but for couples everywhere who have experienced the wonder and challenges of staying in love.
I’m also writing love songs that reflect how our love is rooted in the unconditional love of God. Recently I was surprised to discover that I’ve written 40 songs. Joyce and I will share our 40th Anniversary this coming November, so reaching that number of songs put me over the tipping point – it feels like the right time to do something. But what to do? Most artists these days just release single songs; that’s what I’ve been doing the past couple of years as well. One of the reasons is that albums cost as much to make as when they sold for $20 but now, they are given away virtually for free on streaming sites. When I was a bit overwhelmed and unsure what to do, once again, my wife and creative partner had a good idea.
What if couples who have experienced their own
‘long love’
sponsor a love song?
What if their love and contribution helps birth
a new love song
into the world?
Joyce and I are announcing an upcoming ‘Love For A Lifetime’ album (name could change) and inviting you to help us so that these love songs can be released out into the world to inspire and serve people on their journey of long, faithful love. We will release a 12-song album and hopefully an accompanying TV style special. That means we are looking for 12 couples to sponsor a song. Joyce and I know this project is not just about our relationship; it’s also for other couples who have walked the road of faithful love. Even those who have lost their partner. (Someone like that could dedicate a song to their memory.) For those who join us on this project, it’s going to be a special time of community and creativity.
Here’s our plan.
1. Let us know that you are intrigued and interested.
Our current estimate of cost to sponsor a song is $5,000 (which is for audio production costs, artwork and design costs.) If you’re not able to help sponsor a full song, you can gather several couples together and do it together. If you just want to contribute any amount and be thanked in the liner notes, that’s also an option.
(cutting the cake on our wedding day, Nov 24 1984)
2. Let’s connect!
We started by whittling down the 40 songs to about 20, and then some couples helped us choose the 12 songs we are currently recording. We currently (as of mid August 2024) have 8 songs sponsored - we still have 4 songs open for sponsorship.
(Young love, 1985)
3. Filming Option
In addition to the studio audio recording of the songs, we are considering filming these songs in a special small intimate live event where sponsoring couples and other selected people will be invited to join us. Opportunity may be given in this context for some couples to share their story. Imagine being in a room with about a dozen couples who have experienced long love encouraging each other. In that same space will be myself along with some musicians as we create the soundtrack for the experience based on songs from the album. The result of this will be a special that once edited and mixed can be shared with the world several months later. Filming date TBD.
(Victoria B.C, 2018)
4. Exclusive Release
Our 40th wedding anniversary is on Nov 24, 2024. Our hope is to have at least the first song or perhaps the first few songs for our partners to listen to by this date as a preview. It’s possible that the public release will happen around February to spring 2025. To be determined based on our progress.
(California, Jan 2023)
My hope and prayer is that these love songs will sing into the gaps in our world, serving people, and inspiring people to make choices that lead to them experiencing the wonder and grace that comes with a lifetime love. If you’re interested, we would love to hear from you. Send us an email to office@briandoerksen.com with a subject line ‘Love Songs Album Sponsorship’ I hope this message finds its way to couples who would find joy in joining us on our mission of encouraging more faithful lifetime love in our world.
Love,
Brian & Joyce
