Behind the Scenes with Musical Artist Kat Spina - Crowdfunding and The Creative Process
Kat Spina graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 2006, majoring in Music Therapy and Jazz Performance. Quickly after she hit Manhattan’s rich music scene, venturing into the city to create blues, jazz, and write songs. We had a chance to connect with this young artist to talk about her current RocketHub project ”In The Name of Love: Song for Heroes” - and why it is of such importance to her. What was the inspiration behind the music project, “In The Name of Love: Song for Heroes”, you are currently running on RocketHub? Why is it important to you? Inspiration for this project is two fold. First, the new single I’ve been wanting to record for over a year now is a cover tune arranged by a very dear friend of mine, and has symbolic meaning. It has been carefully thought out and planned to bring new light to a very powerful and well known tune. Secondly, the foundation I’m supporting inspired me to use music as a vehicle to raise awareness about “Hometown Heroes.” It is important to me because I can share this creative project as well as raise contributions for a foundation aimed towards overcoming adversity and following dreams. How has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of music - how are your fans and community responding? So far, I’m off to a good start. I’m about halfway through the campaign and raised 1/3 of my target goal. My “day job” is teaching privately and I’ve had several parents ask questions and take part in the campaign. Other friends and colleagues have taken the time to check out the project and support my efforts which is really exciting. Any advice for Creatives looking to crowdfund a project? Be sure to clearly define you mission/goals for the project. Remember to stress the importance of exchange, and quote Rockethub’s statement: “not an investment or charity… and that it’s all or nothing.” It helped me to describe my project to others and understand the basis of crowdfunding in more detail. I would also advise mapping out a rewards list that is realistic to you! For my own personal project I asked some close friends to donate artwork. A few could oblige, others I had to cover a small expense for their work. I am one to share information about other indie artists and I thought including them would be a good marketing edge. Again, I stress… be realistic with what you can offer in return for monetary contributions. Keep it simple, but savvy. Thank you kindly for these insights and the advice. We appreciate having your talents and energy our creative community. -Brian
- December 7, 2010
RocketHub Goes to School - Crowdfunding at The Learning Annex
First Donald Trump, then Rich Dad (Robert Kiyosaki), now RocketHub! We are going to The Learning Annex. Brian and Jed will be teaching a class on crowdfunding principles, The Crowdfunding Manifesto, and other key strategies for leveraging friends, fans, and the crowd to raise funds and awareness online. If you are based in New York, this is great opportunity to meet the RocketHub team, learn from our experiences, and to ask the tough questions about crowdfunding. From Al Gore, to Joe Montana, to RocketHub. Here are the details: Time: 6:45 - 9:00 PM Date: Thursday, December 9th Location: Midtown Manhattan To Sign Up: http://www.learningannex.com/live_classes/293 Discount? Of course! Email us at support@rockethub.com mentioning the class and we’ll hook you up. We hope to see you there. -Vlad
- December 6, 2010
Brooklynite Don Paris Schlotman Talks Music, Crowdfunding, and NYC
Don Paris Schlotman is a Brooklyn-based artist whose solo recordings have a “Cosmic Roots Americana” twist. In addition to his solo shows, Don also plays bass with some of my favorite NYC musicians including Niall Connolly, E. W. Harris, and Casey Black. We had a chance to connect to talk about his current project, called “All Aboard MTA! Next Stop: Your Mind”. What was the inspiration behind the music project, “Mother Transit Authority”, you are currently running on RocketHub? Why is it important to you? The project itself was inspired by thoughts of how a city - New York City specifically - is an organism. The transportation and communication systems are the circulatory and nervous systems. I decided to make it pregnant because I feel cities such as this do give birth every day to many creative ideas, and this album is a culmination of that creative process, that breeding ground if you will. To do it properly I wanted to work with some of the people who have inspired me this past year, which meant I wanted to pay them, which meant I needed some source of funding at least some of the initial costs. I love the collaboration aspect - how has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of music - how are your fans and community responding? I admit I was a bit skeptical of the idea at first for a few reasons, but mainly because I was not sure how - or if - people would respond. But for the most part, everyone has been very enthusiastic about the idea, and some even more than I expected. It was a bit humbling and scary to ask people to help support this project but it ended up being a really great way for me to touch base with friends and fans I had not spoken to in a while. One more unexpected side effect: asking people to crowdfund is definitely driving me to create the best album I can. I always try to make good music but this adds an element of wanting to deliver to people who believed in me. It’s always interesting to hear about the “side effect” of crowdfunding, such as focused fan engagement - any advice for Creatives looking to crowdfund a project? Be personal and honest. The best responses I’ve gotten were not from the blanket emails and public thanks - although those do help very much - but from the phone calls and emails I sent to individuals/couples/groups. It’s pretty nerve-wracking and time consuming, but very rewarding. Also, consider the methods which NPR, PBS, or other fund-raising groups use. And most of all, have fun. Thank you for chatting with us about your project and campaign. We appreciate your talents, energy and having you as a part of our creative community. -Brian
- December 3, 2010
Behind the Scenes Interview with Andy Rocco of Upright Citizens Brigade
Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of playing my ukulele at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater (with my good buddy Aram Bajakian backing me up on electric guitar). The night was packed with improv skits, stand-up, guitars, ukuleles, and good witty fun - all part of a show called Underground Americana hosted by Andy Rocco. Andy and I crossed paths this past summer on a subway ride in Brooklyn - and on the train struck up a conversation on the awesome power of the ukulele (I had mine with me and was coming home after a show). I handed him off a CD before hopping off at my stop - and a few weeks later got a call to perform on his show. Since then Andy and I have had the chance to connect and I’ve become a big fan of his comedic work. Andy has a big show coming up this Saturday December 5th - snag a reservation here - UCB Theatre - New York - Make Reservation. Over a cup of coffee in midtown Manhattan, Andy and I talked about where he’s been and where he’s going on his comedy journey. How long have you been pursuing comedy as a career? When did you decide to take the plunge and pursue the comedy thing full time? I have been pursuing comedy as a career full time for a few years now. I think, my last real job was a temp assignment in 2007. I was lifting and moving boxes of files from one end of an office to another. Now, I coach/direct improv groups and once in a while I do a voice over or some commercials. Tell us about your experience with The Upright Citizens Brigade first as a student and now as someone who has a regular show there? Well, I started classes at UCB in 1999. I had been doing stand up on and off for about two years and was living in CT with my folks. I had a very odd fear of going to NYC for anything. Once in a blue moon, I would do an open mike, but NYC used to really frighten the crap out of me. I think it’s because, I watched a lot of 70’s & 80’s moives where gangs would constantly roam the subway and I was feeling if you were ever in peril, citizens of New York would do their best to ignore you. So I worked the graveyard shift at Kinko’s in CT, then in the morning I would take the train and go to class at UCB. I was terrible at first, but I really did enjoy learning all about comedy. I was hooked. I would go to UCB all the time, just to see shows and hang out. The UCB just became my life. I went to community college pointlessly for 4 years, no major, no direction and I never got a degree. I didn’t have many friends there, and there is no partying. UCB was what I wanted my college experience to be like, fun, friends, and I had finally I had direction in life. I was a total geek about the whole thing! Now, I am little more subdued. At times I can’t help myself and the total geek comes out again. I think, you when you start out, you have something to prove. It’s a great and wild attitude to have when you are younger. When you get older, you have already proven you can be good and now you have to be cool about it all the time and that is harder than breaking in. Anyway, it’s nice now. I have conversations, where I say “Hi, I am Andy Rocco” and someone will say “I know who you are” - that’s cool and kind of embarrassing. I don’t how to classify it. I have certain level of fame, where people know me, but it’s not the same fame where teenage girls are pissing themselves at the mere sight of me. The guy at Subway is blown away while he’s making my sandwich. It’s really nice to be welcomed and feel part of something bigger then yourself. I heard about a big show you did with Tom Schiller - tell us how that went down? I love Tom Schiller. He is amazing and so great. He directed a commercial that I did. It was a very big campaign so I spent a good amount of time with him and we just became friends. It was so cool. I couldn’t get over that this accomplished guy is on a first name basis with me! I asked him to do my show and he agreed. I was so pleased. He did the show twice! The last time show he did the show, it was great. We had ball. I did interview with him and talked about SNL, comedy, and making movies and he showed a video that he never showed to an audience before, it was insane and funny! I was going to have him on again, and was excited to do it again, but he had a work conflict. My favorite thing is that he ended that last e-mail “I want to do it. Ask me again!” Do you always approach strangers with ukuleles on the NYC subways? I don’t always approach strangers with ukeleles on the subway, but that’s how I met you. I have musical acts in show. I don’t have a particular way to pick the music acts for the show. People recommend bands to me to pick. I listen to them, sometimes I will pass. Sometimes, I will see people playing on the street and I ask them. If there is nothing engaging about them, I don’t bother. Sometimes, I ask people I really like and they never get back to me. I went on Craig’s list once and got a great one. I also went on Craig’s list got one who never showed up. So, I have varied approaches when it comes to getting the musical acts. You looked like a together young man, and you had ukulele I had been listening to a lot of ukeleles at the time, and I figured I would ask because I am always on the look out for musical act. You gave me a CD and your card. I listened to it and I thought was AMAZING! If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t bother. Although, this does raise the question, why don’t I just start talking to random pretty girls on the subway? Well thanks for the good words on the music - Aram and I had a blast being on the show. Where do you see things going for you in 2011? Well, I hope to keep working on thematic shows, like the show on Dec.4th is a parody of a Christmas Carol. It’s a variety show with a story. I want to make more shows like that. I want continue keeping honing my craft. I hope to make new web series as well called “Andy Rocco’s Tales of the Absurd” I want to do a podcast, because I have been listening to a lot of different ones and I am all jazzed about it. And I hope to find another steady acting gig to pay the bills. All that and I want seltzer maker. I like seltzer. Well Andy thank you for these insights and for the chance to perform with you. I look forward to working and hanging more in the future - cheers and have a great show on Saturday! -Brian Images courtesy Andy Rocco and UCB
- December 2, 2010
Singer/Actress Marya Grandy Overfunds “Clean Slate” in 10 Days
Singer/actress Marya Grandy moved to NYC right after graduating from Yale - and never looked back. You may have seen her on Broadway in Les Misérables (2006 Revival Original Cast) or TV shows such as Law & Order and Rescue Me. Being a performer in New York can be a bumpy road - and Marya discusses some challenges in her career path as of late, as well as the success of her current project “Clean Slate” which has quickly overfunded on RocketHub. What was the inspiration behind the music project, “Clean Slate”, you are currently running on RocketHub? Why is it important to you? I had been growing increasingly frustrated with the state of my career, and with how powerless I was feeling. Totally irrational, but it felt very real to me. I didn’t seem to fit into anyone’s mold. I was desperate to perform, to communicate, and to take some of my power back. I had done concerts before, but I was completely tapped out as far as ideas were concerned. For inspiration, and as a way of getting out of my funk, I looked to other performers I admired who weren’t like the other boys and girls. At the top of the list was Bette Midler. From her earliest performances at the bathhouses in the West Village to selling out Caesar’s Palace, Bette Midler has embraced who she is with absolute abandon and joy, and you can see that joy spread through her audiences. She is not trying to cure cancer or save the world, she is just taking her audiences on a 90-minute joy ride, and that is exactly what I want to do with my show. How has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of music and theater - how are your fans and community responding? The outpouring of support has been incredible, especially given the current economy. I reached my goal in 10 days, and people are still contributing. It is truly amazing. Any advice for Creatives looking to crowdfund a project? Speak from your heart when you are creating your project, and don’t mince words. Folks are busy, and if you’re asking for their help, it’s best to cut to the chase so they know what is being asked of them. Be sure to see Marya’s show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on Monday, December 20th, at 9:30pm. Thank you Marya for flying with Team RocketHub! -Brian
- December 1, 2010
Farraday Rocks RocketHub & Talks Crowdfunding
Farraday is a fun, high-energy, band hailing from from the Chicago area - they rock the stage and just rocked their RocketHub project which has currently surpassed its goal. I had a chance to interview them “wiki”-style (via the magic of the internet.) What was the inspiration behind the music project, “Farraday”, you are currently running on RocketHub? Why is it important to you? We had planned to head into the studio this december and record our first EP with our newly formed band Farraday. But our biggest obstacle, like a lot of bands was money. We knew it would take a lot of time we didn’t have to raise the funds through traditional methods (playing shows and selling merch we didn’t even have money to produce yet) (Nic) had heard about crowdfunding and RocketHub on the CDBaby DIY Musician podcast, and pitched the idea to the band, and we were all interested in the prospect of having our friends family and fans help us to create the album and enjoy the rewards of its production along with us. And so we decided to start a RocketHub campaign! How has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of music - how are your fans and community responding? I think we were all really surprised how supportive people have been to help us fund our project, and we are really excited that the project will be able to be finished thanks to that support. Most people hadn’t heard of anything like this before we started, but liked the idea of it. It’s also really cool to be a part of this new concept, I think there will be A LOT of bands and artists that use crowdfunding to fuel their projects in the future. Any advice for Creatives looking to crowdfund a project? Keep your funding goals low and realistic. Our worst fear was NOT meeting our goal, and feeling like failures. We debated back and forth what our number should be, so be careful to pick the right goals. Also make sure your rewards and unique and worth the investment. Money isn’t really the barrier either, we’ve had more success with the bigger dollar items than some of the smaller ones just based on what the rewards for them were To wrap it up, we’re really happy with how RocketHub has worked for us thus far. We still have time left on our campaign and were just lucky to have people who have supported us already. We’re looking forward to releasing an awesome EP (most likely in February) that our supporters are going to love and hopefully cherish all the more knowing that without them it might not have been made at all! Thanks a ton Brian for giving us this opportunity and everybody at RocketHub for providing such an innovative way for us get our music made! - Nic, Aubyn, Phil, Glenn, Danny, & Will You are very welcome Farraday - thank you for taking the time to give us insights and for flying with Team RocketHub. -Brian
- November 30, 2010
Crowdfunding a Political Writing Project With Joe Brewer - “Progressive Strategy”
Joe Brewer is Founder and Director of Cognitive Policy Works - an organization composed of experts in psychology, media studies, education, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, and political consulting. Much of his work has focused on frameworks and concepts that shape cultural understandings of political and social issues. Recently, we had the chance to connect to discuss his current crowdfunding project “The Progressive Strategy Handbook” and get insights on how this political writing project came about. What was the inspiration behind the political writing project, “The Progressive Strategy Handbook”, you are currently running on RocketHub? Why is is important to you? This project grew out of a desire to connect with a community of people who share the same concerns I have about the future of our country. I’ve been lucky to work with several great progressive organizations throughout the last two years, but it has been the surge of interest from everyday people who want to feel more empowered to participate that really inspires me. Also, after years of frustration watching the professional political consultants make major blunders over and over again, I felt compelled to go directly to the people where it is possible to catalyze a social movement for political change. And of course I realized that one of the major problems with the progressive movement is that those who have large pools of money keep calling the shots even though they are clearly not getting it right. I believe that the only way to repair our broken political systems is to disengage from those who have a lot of money and partner directly with everyday citizens who want to see real change they can believe in and have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the solutions that will need to be implemented. How has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of political writing - how is your community responding? The community has been very supportive so far. Not only are people contributing money, they are suggesting improvements to my campaign and requesting greater levels of participation in the project. I feel like the only way this project will succeed is if I encourage leadership from the crowd to rise up and expand upon what we are doing. The Progressive Strategy Handbook our team wants to create is going to have to be part of something much more interactive that unfolds over time. Many people don’t just want strategy advise and knowledge about political behavior. They want to work collaboratively with others across the country (and around the world) to strengthen the movement that culminates in a sustainable and just world. Any advice for Creatives looking to crowdfund a project? Be bold and set out a positive vision of what you want to accomplish. Invite participation in more ways than one. This means you should ask people to support your cause, help spread the word, and also contribute to the project in other ways that feel appropriate. Don’t expect the minimum response. Invite them to be creative and do more. A vital aspect of crowdfunding is the power given to the crowd to leverage change. Unleash this power and you’ll get supporters to spread the word and improve upon your initial ideas. Not only will you get money to support your work, but also new friends to share in the pleasure of it as you put your ideas to work in the world Much thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Joe - congrats on all of the success thus far with your campaign. Thank you for flying with Team RocketHub. -Brian Photos and images courtesy of www.cognitivepolicyworks.com
- November 26, 2010
Canadian Artist Meghan Morrison Wants To “Push Your Buttons”
RocketHub had the pleasure of meeting Ontario-based singer/songwriter Meghan Morrison this past summer at The New Music Seminar in NYC, and we are happy to play a part in her latest artistic endeavor - “I Want To Push Your Buttons”. Recently, we had a chat with her about her creative process and entrepreneurial spirit. This is a lovely interview with insights that can benefit many young artists pursuing their dreams today. What was the inspiration behind the arts/music project, “I Want to Push Your Buttons!”, you are currently running on RocketHub? - Why is it important to you? The inspiration for this project came to me while reflecting on the development of my webcast and life as an independent artist. I want the guests on my show to be paid for their performances, much like I want them to be paid to perform in venues. It isn’t easy to be an independent artist, especially now that venues don’t want to invest as much in their live entertainment (at least this has been believed to be the case since the smoking ban was put in place in Ontario). Often times we are playing for tips, for free (aka “exposure”), or if we’re lucky a cut of the bar/door. Guarantees are harder to negotiate when you are building your fanbase. Believe it or not, I’m not complaining. Just like any other profession, we do have to put in our time, develop our network, skills and sometimes work for free to gain experience. What concerns me is that the people who are making money off our free performances are coming to expect musicians to play for free while they turn a profit. On the flipside, it is also a problem when musicians feel that the government should finance their careers. Until the government pays everyone’s salaries, musician’s should not be an exception. There are lots of ways to earn a living as a musician, especially with the advent of the internet, but there are so many facets of our society that tell us there aren’t: the romance of being a modern day gypsy or “starving artist”; our parents nagging or praying for us to get a “real job”; the pressure in schools to pursue science and math over the arts (which will always be the first to have their funding cut) so you can get into university and … eventually … obtain a “good job”. The American Dream, right? All of these things lead us to believe, over time, that a music career isn’t a real job, but a thing you win like the lottery if a record label stumbles upon one of your shows and falls in love. What I want to help show other artists is that we don’t need record labels, we don’t need university degrees (though I greatly value both of mine), we just need to make the decision to do it ourselves … and follow through. Go to any modern music conference like Canadian Music Week, North by North East, The New Music Seminar (where I met fellow co-founder, Vlad) and you’ll hear the industry people telling us this same message in the panels and discussions. Why? Because it’s true. The industry is changing. It’s harder in some ways for artists, but much more fulfilling, autonomous, and meaningful in many other ways. It takes work and creative thinking … like learning how to play guitar or write a hit song. By completing this campaign, I will be able to start a Button making side business that can generate the funds I need to pay the guests who perform on my webcast. Even if it’s not much, the artists will know that I respect their work and want them to be paid -just like I want to be paid for my musical performances. As the business grows, so will the compensation. Furthermore, by having the machine, I will be able to show other aritsts how to make their own buttons and rent out the gear so they can make them even more affordably on their own. If you teach a man to fish … Great insights here. The idea of getting a “real job” has changed now with the current economy, and we may be heading into a new wave of entrepreneurism. How has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of crafts & music - how are your fans and community responding? So far, I have received an amazing response from fans and community members who appreciate the sentiment behind the project. The idea of pursuing music as a career isn’t a new one, what people are inspired by is the “we’re making this happen, not waiting for it” attitude. Deep down everyone wants to chase their dream, right? My “rocket fuel” has come from all over the digital world, from people I don’t know, and from interacting with people at shows in person, etc. I love the mindset of “making it happen” - any other advice for Creatives looking to crowdfund a project? Think broad. I wouldn’t say big… your goal needs to be attainable, but the way you approach that goal (no matter the size) should be as broadscoping and creative as possible. People embrace and appreciate innovation, because it is inspired. If you can think of a reward that is unique, meaningful, and (ideally) personal to the sponsor, people will feel more invested and rewarded by being part of your project and will want to help out more. In my campaign I offer 100 custom buttons for $20. A great deal, but not everybody needs buttons, so I am making an effort to contact people individually and give them ideas for how 100 buttons could be useful for them. For example, new parents can include buttons of their baby with the holiday cards they send out to family and friends, instead of your standard (and expected) 4x6 picture. Plus, proud gandparents can wear the button and show off their new family member to their friends. It’s a special and personally meaningful reward for a modest level of sponsorship that is timely for the season and also helps me and other artists build their careers. Everyone wins. We’re well on our way now. I think the button gods are smiling on me :) Thank you for taking the time to let our community know about your creative process and give insights on the entrepreneurial mindset. We appreciate having you as part of our creative community. -Brian Photos by Tom Henheffer and Lu Chau
- November 24, 2010
Artist, Musician, Songwriter, and Lyrical Poet from DC - Reesa Renee talks Crowdfunding
Reesa Renee is an artist, musician, songwriter, and lyrical poet from the DC Metropolitan Area. She her musical debut as “Sis” with underground band Achosen Generation in August of 2008 and released her first single “Got Me Loose”. Two years later, she is now launching her solo career working with local artists and producers on an album entitled “Reelease” which is being crowdfunded on RocketHub. What was the inspiration behind the music project, “Reelease”, you are currently running on RocketHub? Why is is important to you? My story on how I stumbled into the music business is one set for a Disney World stage lol. I can sum the beginnings of my singing career up to a karaoke machine, a cassette tape, and my older brother. We would set up a make shift percussion section with alias items we found about the house and hit record! My brother beating away at the “drums” as I ‘d wail away the best 6 year old melody imaginable on my little yellow mic. Ironically, my older brother is now a producer and has been since we were in highschool. In all honesty, starting off I was nothing more than his number one fan; passing beats around, rocking to the instrumentals in the car and sharing the goodness with everyone. I had a general love for music but I, in no way, was really thinking about being hands on with it, as far as being an artist. I was more concerned with the leagality of what he was doing and was more interested in helping him establish himself correctly. In addition to that, I was supremely, and still am, fond of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, just their stage presence and the aura they leave in their music is inspiring. I love that feel, the soul, the heartbeat of music and what it does for me….it literally was the subconscious soundtrack of my life. That, mixed with my discovery of the instrumentation in Jazz - Herbie Hancock, Jon Luc Ponty, and Noel Pointer just to name a few… With these musical greats as my back drop I went off to college and found myself obsessed with poetry, stumbling in and out of underground locations to get my fix lol. It was during this time or so that I found myself hititng a wall, my once aspiring rambuncious and vivacious personality was fully drained and battling bouts of depression. I honestly felt there was no way out, and at times felt not even prayers could save me from myself, this time was meant to be and it turned out to lead to a series of life changing events. The more and more “separated” I felt from reality the deeper and deeper I delve into the music. I found myself writing and singing and just straight vibing, it was the most freeing feeling in the world, like the music had been waiting to come out. Long story short, I returned home to find my brother had put together a band, with no intentions really, and it was there that I sung my 1st song. And that is when I consciously fell in love with music and when my spiritual journey truly began. The inclination to make a difference and tell my story is such an overwhelmingly strong force. The microphone has become my diary and the random candences of harmonies and tones are my heaven, or as close as I can get to it. There’s no other thing that can free me from myself quite the same, and I want it to stay like that forever…. So with all of that said, the inspiration for this project started at birth and my realization came when I discovered my purpose. My mom taught me well :), people are put on this earth to work together, so on my journey I have every intention to include those who would like to be included and also to humbly admit that I need help in the process. It will take this help to fully develop the presentation of my story and my life through music, with hopes of my story inspiring others just as I have been inspired myself. Great story - so tell us, how has your experience been as a crowdfunding pioneer in the world of music - how are your fans and community responding? I’ve never given the “buy my CD” speech lol, actually I ‘ve always been against it, I have the hippi attitude, if it’s suppose to be it will be. So, instead what I did, which is maybe what you are supposed to do, was write a simple and honest email to my close friends and family. After that, everything is falling into it’s place! Even if I weren’t to make the financial goal that was set - the emails, phonecalls, and text messages jammed packed with encouragement and “proud of you’s” was good enough for me. I would say that my mini-community of supporters have been absolutely outstanding! Any advice for Creatives looking to crowdfund a project? There will ALWAYS be room for negativety and failure, but you never know until you try, and trying is the first step to succeeding. Just jump in it! You never will know who’s behind you until you give them an opportunity to show you. Great insights - thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with our creative community! Brian
- November 23, 2010
Crowdfunding in the Mid-West with Singer/Songwriter Jesse Lee
Singer-songwriter Jesse Lee and I crossed paths in Lawrence, Kansas - and I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jesse and his music over the last few months. We had a chance to discuss his latest album project called “Transient” that he is crowdfunding on RocketHub. In this interview Jesse gives some honest answers on the creative process and his experiences as a crowdfunding pioneer. What was the inspiration behind the music project, Transient, you are currently running on RocketHub? Why is is important to you? The word transient means not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory, lasting only a short time; existing briefly; temporary: or a person or thing that is transient, a temporary guest. That concept really encompasses my life over the last 10 years, but also life in general, depending upon your beliefs, our life is transitory, we are only here for so long, so we must make the most of it. The word transient, how it is referred to in my song “Transient” is someone who no matter where they live, they don’t have a home, in the sense, they feel homeless, yet are living somewhat comfortably in homes. This character is restless, always seeking some inner truth, sees the outer world as a maze of discovery, some things discovered are beautiful, some things internal are challenging, henceforth comes songs and music to make sense of that world. I moved a lot as a kid, so I developed this mentality of detachment, I learned to be ready to leave on whim, so there’s no real place I call home. When I lived in Summit County, Colorado I frequented a bar in Frisco. One night, I was having a drink with another ski-bum and we were talking about the seasonality of life in the county, people always coming and going and he said to me, “Man, every body’s a transient” and at that moment I wrote the song on a back of napkin and it has been kind of my anthem ever since. Since then, I’ve gotten married, bought a home and have a solid job that I’ve been at for two years. Things have settled, yet I’m still a Transient at heart. So, this project is the last chapter of my life as a Transient. There feels like a real sense of urgency to this project, it feels important to document this music in a collection, so I can start on the next chapter of life and songs. I’m currently in a community of musicians and believers in the musical dream, which has inspired me to take the leap, put my songs out there into the universe in a way that really highlights the songs and the experiences that have led me to this point in my life. This is a personal narrative of music to reach out to all the wanderers in the world. Great insights - How has your experience been as a crowd funding pioneer in the world of music - how are your fans and community responding? Living in the Midwest, I definitely feel a bit like a pioneer in crowd-funding. I think it has been a bit of a challenging idea for some of my friends and family to get their head’s wrapped around. But, when people visit the site, see my project posted, read my earnest words, I think they get it. There are still those who see it as charity, but they fail to see the the transaction as a trade. I love the fact that people who give, get cool stuff in return that is completely unique to this project. Overall, I have found that is has sparked a new interest in my music. I feel people always knew I loved to play music, but making the jump to try and fund an album has caused some folks to say, “Hey, he is serious about this”. So many friends, fans and family have gotten behind me and my project whole-heartedly and that is so gratifying. It has been amazing to reach out to old friends and hear their kind words and their gracious contributions to fuel the project. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to make the best record that I can, for the people who have helped me make this dream a reality. Crowdfunding is still becoming a “new ritual” for a lot of folks. Any advice for Creatives looking to crowd-fund a project? I think it is important to keep good records of the folks who come out and see your shows, make sure to keep an email list and keep people in the loop. Facebook and Myspace have made it easier to keep in contact with your fan-base, but after playing shows is a great time to make new contacts and earn new Fuelers. Because I’ve moved so many times, it has been a bit of challenge to start over each time I land in a new town. But, thru technology you can reconnect with those people who would be excited to support your creative endeavor. Be kind and loving to those who support you, keep them in the loop. Document your shows, record your music, play with lots of different people, keep being your own advocate. Have a strong presence on the web. Go support lots of other artists. Each night I have time, I email friends, family, fans and ask them to participate in the project. When I’m out, I spark up conversations about the project. I remind people to visit my site. At work, I posted a reminder to visit Rockethub.com to check out the site. Just keep pushing forward as hard as you can to make your dream possible. Thanks for these insights - I look forward to hearing this album and jamming next time we meet. Brian
- November 22, 2010
