Not too long ago,  an aspiring singer-songwriter would need to get a major label recording contract in order to make an album.  In the new era of digital downloads, however, anyone can have their own recording company and make their own CD.

In the case of Healdsburg musician Rachel Bockover, she is doing it all by writing and recording a dozen songs for her upcoming debut release called "Tightrope Walk." She sings, writes her own songs, plays guitar, keyboard and drums in what might be called alternative indie pop or folk nouveau style.

In addition to the recording process, she is arranging her own material, editing, mastering and producing the final CD.  She shoots, directs, edits and posts her own videos. 

She is also fundraising to complete her project in a uniquely contemporary way, through an Internet-based campaign called kickstarter.com. 

Supporters have until Feb. 14 to contribute to her goal of $6,132 to complete her CD.  She is 20 percent of the way there with $1,345 pledged to date.  Although 11 patrons have supported her project to date, Bockover must raise the complete amount by her deadline in order to receive any of the funds. 

"Many musicians today must fundraise for their own recording projects,"  says Bockover. 

"The majority of artists are on independent labels and must promote their own music and create their own fan base, largely through social media," she added. 

Bockover is accustomed to the rigors of the music world.  Her father was a professional musician, a composer and guitarist who played with the late Norton Buffalo.  Her mother sang folksongs to Bockover and her eight brothers and sisters while they were growing up .

She started to sing when she was 13 and began writing songs in high school.   She's been at it ever since -- writing soulful, introspective ballads with ethnic rhythms in a contemporary semi-acoustic style.  Song titles on her mini preview EP (produced by Paul Carlsen) include the self-titled "Tightrope Walk," "Vent", "We Dance" and "My Evil Twin."  

She counts among her fans Stanley Mouse of Healdsburg's Rockin Roses Gallery who has agreed to do the cover art for her CD. 

"One of the many benefits of opening my gallery in Healdsburg," said Mouse, "is that I was able to find Rachel Bockover."

Her influences include The Beatles, Cat Stevens, Jethro Tull and Joan Baez.  She has lived in Sonoma County since she was nine and has helped to produce many music events in the surrounding area.  At the tender age of 29, she is a veteran of the greater Bay Area Music scene having played at Sonoma's Harmony Festival as well as the Strawberry Music Festival. 

Upcoming local gigs for Bockover include as featured performer at Healdsburg's Johnny's Tavern's open mic at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, and a special performance at Gaia's Garden in Santa Rosa on Feb. 14 (Valentine's Day) with Caldonia Harbor and Honey Rose from 6 to 10 p.m.