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