More Kickstarter projects

On top of all the other artists now doing this, The Classic Crime and the O.C. Supertones have both launched Kickstarter projects. It seems like nearly everyone is doing this now even if they are on a label. If you have to raise your own money, then what is the point of being signed?

Why would a signed band need help?

I gave to Lifesavers, John Schlitt, John Elefante and Starflyer 59, all of which are unsigned. Being on a label and doing a Kickstarter makes no sense to me...

I think several labels are now forcing bands to record their own material with very little upfront money.

Labels are nothing more than high interest bankers. Loansharks, in other words. It's probably easier and cheaper to raise your own money for recording, then have the finished product to the label for distribution.

Oh, I agree. Then why stay with the label? Of course, with contracts, these artists might not can leave--yet. But, they will see that they don't need this to make music that pleases themselves and glorifies God.

alldatndensum wrote:

Oh, I agree. Then why stay with the label?

For the distribution and promotion. While it might be possible (but a whole lot of work) for an artist to do the promotion on his/her own, the distribution is still something that an artist can't reproduce. As cds wane and mp3s rise, that might go away completely, but for now, it's a way to move quite a few units.

I see where Vixen is finally up to $1,100! 24 more days to reach $35,000! Lol!

MikeInFla wrote:

I see where Vixen is finally up to $1,100! 24 more days to reach $35,000! Lol!

Yes that's unlikely to happen isn't it?

Looks like Guardian probably isn't going to meet their goal either.

It's still a lot of money $ 35.000.

When you are involved in a kick starter project, you have to pay twice for the CD.
One time to make it possible to make the CD.
Second time to buy the CD.

Elefante's emails these last few days of his campaign have been annoying.

topshot rhit wrote:

Elefante's emails these last few days of his campaign have been annoying.

Didn't he already meet his goal?

Personally, I wish they could offer a demo (even a very rough demo) beforehand.

Staybrite wrote:

topshot rhit wrote:

Elefante's emails these last few days of his campaign have been annoying.

Didn't he already meet his goal?

Yes, as of 4 days ago according to Kickstarter. Total pledges are now $22,040 above the goal.

Seems he has some rather wealthy backers at that. 40+ people pledged at least $125, with one person even pledging "$10,000 or more". Must be nice to have that kind of money to donate!

Oldiesmann wrote:

Staybrite wrote:

topshot rhit wrote:

Elefante's emails these last few days of his campaign have been annoying.

Didn't he already meet his goal?

Yes, as of 4 days ago according to Kickstarter. Total pledges are now $22,040 above the goal.....

Holy Moly Cow! That's a lot of extra cash....maybe he can do two albums?

A double album Staybrite.

Stryper is now talking about doing this to get their new CD done.

alldatndensum wrote:

Stryper is now talking about doing this to get their new CD done.

It will probably go well for them.

I thought the members of Stryper had their own studios (at least some of them)?

I've read a CD with 16 old songs and two new songs.

danielbandfan wrote:

I thought the members of Stryper had their own studios (at least some of them)?

There is a lot more (cost wise) to creating a cd than just studio time.

Staybrite wrote:

danielbandfan wrote:

I thought the members of Stryper had their own studios (at least some of them)?

There is a lot more (cost wise) to creating a cd than just studio time.

They're unsigned right now, correct?

They are without a label at this time. While they would like to sign again and have some offers, they don't want to do that at this time with this project. They want to own the rights to these early songs is why they are redoing them. If they sign to a new label, they might not own their masters and licensing rights.

Having Stryper could be a big boost for RAR, IMR or Roxx.

I don't think that IMR is doing very well financially. I don't think that either Retroactive or Roxx could afford them and give them what they want. Even Liberty N Justice is getting ready to go with a secular label after "Hell Is Coming To Breakfast" is released.

alldatndensum wrote:

Stryper is now talking about doing this to get their new CD done.

Here are the posts on facebook from Michael Sweet regarding the Kickstarter idea:

Quote :

I'm testing the waters here and asking for your thoughts on Kickstarter?
As you all know, we began recording a re-record record a while back and
we've been challenged with the reality of needing to raise funds to
complete the project. We do have several labels interested in the
project but to be honest, if we were to sign with a label it would
really defeat the initial purpose and goal of the record.
We are doing this record with the intent of owning the masters in order
to expedite Stryper songs being heard in film and tv. There are a total
of 16 songs on the record (14 old classics from the first three records
and two brand new songs) and so far we have recorded all the tracks
except for the majority of the lead vocals. We want to finish the
project and release it this year. It sounds killer!!! Problem is, we
can't continue on unless we raise the funds to do so. My question about
Kickstarter is an important question. What are your thoughts and would
you be willing to support us with a Kickstarter campaign if we were to
launch one? Let me know! God bless you guys!!

And then just now...

Quote :

Wow! What a great response to my Kickstarter question. Bottom line? We
can't finish the record without you. We do have a few labels interested
but then, as I said, we're defeating the purpose of why we even decided
to record this record. We are going to launch a Kickstarter campaign in
the next week or so and we'll explain in depth, exactly what you can
expect in regard to the record itself and the
packages that we'll be offering. We won't be doing the "for $1 dollar
you'll get a piece of Robert's hair and for $2 you'll get a pint of
Tim's blood" thing. It'll be simple and direct with 5-6 packages that
are realistic and sensible. We live in a time where labels are closing
their doors left and right and those labels that are left, just aren't
offering enough to make a quality product (unless your Adele, Lady Gaga
or Katy Perry) and if there's one thing about Stryper, we have always
strived to give you the best quality possible, with every release. This
re-record record sounds amazing so far and you will NOT be disappointed I
promise! 14 old classics redone and 2 brand new songs. We've tracked
everything except the lead vocals and some overdubs and of course, the
record hasn't been mixed yet. We'll need enough to finish the record and
package the record in order to put in in your hands:-) I know I speak
for the entire band when I say that we can't thank you enough for your
belief in what we do, your support year after year and the incredible
love and loyalty that you have shown to us. We love you and look forward
to making this happen with you!!!

Michae