The modern music world is a fascinating one. Sites and apps are available everywhere to check out new music. But where are all of these artists coming from? How are they paying for these records in this down economy? Certainly it's not big labels paying the bill for all of this. Many bands these days are turning to non-traditional means to raise funds. Two ventures have caught my attention to start off 2012, who I am 100% supporting are album production fundraisers by Annie and The Beekeepers and the David Wax Museum! Today's post will focus on Annie & The Beekeepers.
Annie & The Beekeepers have been featured on Root Down in the Shadow in the past as part of the Molly Song of the Week Feature, with their song 'Charlotte's Web'. Annie & The Beekeepers are an entirely self-funded operation. Turning to a non-traditional venue is a must! No funds raised means no record. This also means that I won't get to do a review of the album or review of their show when they come into Philly!
When the big labels aren't knocking, in some cases vanity labels, such as Brushfire (Jack Johnson & Friends), Third Man (Jack White, White Stripes, etc.), Roc Nation (Jay-Z), and ATO (Dave Matthews) are footing the bill where other larger enterprises would have passed. There are also non-traditional sales sites like Bandcamp or Noisetrade to help the artists and small labels sell their albums. However, my favorite way for an artist to pay for their ventures, ranging from new album production to European tour to a replacement van is web-based fundraising.
KickStarter.com is the site I've seen used the most, while PledgeMusic.com is also picking up some steam as well. With these sites, bands offer up something of value to the fans to gather up some quick capitol. Some of it is a pay now for a product you would normally buy later, such as download of the new album that you are funding. While other offers include an extra perk that wouldn't be available otherwise to the common fan, such as an autographed album, written out lyrics, or house concert.
As with anything else, you can chose the level of your support, or whether to support at all! I noticed a veteran of the field, someone I've been listening to since high school, collecting for tour support. I'm still not sure how I feel about a vet using this type of service, but I guess that's why I have a choice to not fund!
I first discovered this phenomenon about two years ago. Back when you had to browse band websites to see what the news was. I was clicking on AmyCorreia.com, where Amy Correia was gaining fan support for the entire production of her third album (and 2nd self-paid album) via her own site! My favorite had to be Spirit Family Reunion doing a quick KickStarter for a much needed replacement tour van. Spirit Family Reunion's need brings to mind a most important variable for both KickStarter & PledgeMusic: if all of the goal is not met, 0% of it gets funded. This all or nothing proposition was perfect when funding the van because if they didn't have the van in time their tour was not happening either way.
Annie & The Beekeepers have gone through some amicable lineup changes in the last few years since their debut in '07, but nothing is keeping Annie Lynch and Co from making beautiful music. It's been since 2009 as it is, when the most recent album Squid Hell Sessions was released, but if these next 25 days don't go well, it could be even longer until new works are released. The gang is half way through their fundraiser period, but just over 30% raised to date. Please consider joining in, with these fundraising efforts as I have, so we can all continue to enjoy these wonderful songs!
What can we expect from the new album? According to the most recent update from Annie Lynch regarding the KickStarter:
"Our goal is to create your next favorite road trip soundtrack, house-cleaning singalong, dinner party easy listening... you name it. We strive to make something that will score many wonderful memories for you."
The current beekeepers are Andrew Michael Burri (member of Jacques Marquette & Peels), Jeni Magana (vocalist/uke/quitar player for Oh Odessa), and (longtime collaborator) Garth Stevenson!
Annie & The Beekeepers have been featured on Root Down in the Shadow in the past as part of the Molly Song of the Week Feature, with their song 'Charlotte's Web'. Annie & The Beekeepers are an entirely self-funded operation. Turning to a non-traditional venue is a must! No funds raised means no record. This also means that I won't get to do a review of the album or review of their show when they come into Philly!
When the big labels aren't knocking, in some cases vanity labels, such as Brushfire (Jack Johnson & Friends), Third Man (Jack White, White Stripes, etc.), Roc Nation (Jay-Z), and ATO (Dave Matthews) are footing the bill where other larger enterprises would have passed. There are also non-traditional sales sites like Bandcamp or Noisetrade to help the artists and small labels sell their albums. However, my favorite way for an artist to pay for their ventures, ranging from new album production to European tour to a replacement van is web-based fundraising.
KickStarter.com is the site I've seen used the most, while PledgeMusic.com is also picking up some steam as well. With these sites, bands offer up something of value to the fans to gather up some quick capitol. Some of it is a pay now for a product you would normally buy later, such as download of the new album that you are funding. While other offers include an extra perk that wouldn't be available otherwise to the common fan, such as an autographed album, written out lyrics, or house concert.
As with anything else, you can chose the level of your support, or whether to support at all! I noticed a veteran of the field, someone I've been listening to since high school, collecting for tour support. I'm still not sure how I feel about a vet using this type of service, but I guess that's why I have a choice to not fund!
I first discovered this phenomenon about two years ago. Back when you had to browse band websites to see what the news was. I was clicking on AmyCorreia.com, where Amy Correia was gaining fan support for the entire production of her third album (and 2nd self-paid album) via her own site! My favorite had to be Spirit Family Reunion doing a quick KickStarter for a much needed replacement tour van. Spirit Family Reunion's need brings to mind a most important variable for both KickStarter & PledgeMusic: if all of the goal is not met, 0% of it gets funded. This all or nothing proposition was perfect when funding the van because if they didn't have the van in time their tour was not happening either way.
Annie & The Beekeepers have gone through some amicable lineup changes in the last few years since their debut in '07, but nothing is keeping Annie Lynch and Co from making beautiful music. It's been since 2009 as it is, when the most recent album Squid Hell Sessions was released, but if these next 25 days don't go well, it could be even longer until new works are released. The gang is half way through their fundraiser period, but just over 30% raised to date. Please consider joining in, with these fundraising efforts as I have, so we can all continue to enjoy these wonderful songs!
What can we expect from the new album? According to the most recent update from Annie Lynch regarding the KickStarter:
"Our goal is to create your next favorite road trip soundtrack, house-cleaning singalong, dinner party easy listening... you name it. We strive to make something that will score many wonderful memories for you."
The current beekeepers are Andrew Michael Burri (member of Jacques Marquette & Peels), Jeni Magana (vocalist/uke/quitar player for Oh Odessa), and (longtime collaborator) Garth Stevenson!
To contribute, head to this link http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thebeekeepers/bee-the-keepers
Comments
Post a Comment