We’ve posted before about appeals from artists to generate start-up capital, recording, or travel costs directly from their fans. It’s so popular across all genres of creative activity that it has its own buzzword: crowdsourcing.
Not only that, a number of web sites have popped up to facilitate just this sort of communication between artists and potential supporters. Brance and I have both highlighted the success that The Banjo Project has achieved using KickStarter.com, and we now see that Travers Chandler & Avery County are using FeedTheMuse.net to ask fans to help them purchase a new vehicle.
Typically, a crowdsourcing appeal will offer fans a premium in exchange for a donation, such as autographed CDs or merchandise, free admission to shows or even special access to the artists in some fashion. Chandler has a number of options for donors, including free merch and a big party for their “investors” once their $6,000 goal is met.
I am always heartened to see bluegrass artists taking advantage of new online marketing and promotional trends. Here we have a meag-hardcore traditional band using cutting edge cyber-publicity.
You go TC&AC!
