Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fiona Bloom May 19th, 2010
(646-764-0004)
fiona@thebloomeffect.com
FAN FUNDING KEEPS DYING MUSIC INDUSTRY ALIVE
Indie artists invite fans to be part of record-making process
(Brooklyn, NY) – What happens when a singer/songwriter hopeful moves from South Carolina to New York City on a wing and a prayer? Fans kick in and make it work. That support has proven invaluable.
R&B/soul artist Collette released her independent debut “Experience Collette” in 2008, earning notable radio airplay and attention in the U.S. and abroad. She snagged opening gigs with huge names in urban music, from Chrisette Michele to Talib Kweli, indie soul titan Eric Roberson and more.
A highly anticipated CD was the logical next step. But in a sagging economy with a recording industry in transition, this proved challenging. Even with a fan base and exciting new material, she needs help.
Enter Kickstarter.com, an intriguing website where creative artists drum up donations for their projects. Musicians, writers and all types of artisans post project profiles, offering rewards in return for backers’ support. Collette’s rewards range from signed advance copies of CDs to original music composed just for the donor, and more.
“I chose to do my fundraising through Kickstarter because it’s super engaging, kind of like a community. People can go there and really feel like they’re a part of making my CD, almost as if they were in the studio with me,” Collette said.
Visitors to Collette’s profile see a cheeky video clip detailing her musical past and what she’s working to accomplish. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/collette/start-a-musical-revolution-with-collette. Rewards are offered for donations from $5 (free download of the entire CD), all the way up to $1,000 (a live concert in the donor’s home).
It’s a great way for artists to engage in modern day patronage – but there is a catch. At the outset, artists are required to set a goal and a deadline. If the deadline arrives without enough pledges made to reach their stated goal, artists collect $0. Any pledges received are simply cancelled. We are confident Collette’s fans and supporters won’t let that happen.
Collette’s project must raise $3,000 in pledges by June 1st. She’s currently about halfway there, but admits that initially enthusiastic response has cooled.
So what happens when an optimistic singer’s fundraising stalls at about the halfway mark? If her bold move to the city that never sleeps is any indicator, her fans will help her keep her dream alive. With continued fan support, we’re pretty sure her grit and mettle will make it work – and she will make some sweet music in the process!
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For more information, visit www.experiencecollette.com, or see Collette’s Kickstarter profile at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/collette/start-a-musical-revolution-with-collette.
For interviews, contact Fiona Bloom of The Bloom Effect: fiona@thebloomeffect.com
