Fan Funding: Financing Recordings & Other Artistic Projects

There are quite a few ways to fund recordings and other artistic projects.  Consider the following options:

1. Record label backing. In today’s world, with major labels quickly going the way of the dinosaurs, don’t count on this option unless you’re really famous and have a huge fan base (and are 14 years old).
2. Grants.  There are some grants available specifically earmarked for recording.  If you can get one, great!  But competition is fierce, and the results are out of your hands, making this method a gamble.
3. Piggy bank and credit cards. You could self-finance, perhaps going into debt.  Many musicians have taken this path.  Not the savviest choice, though…
4. Fan funding.  For the independent musician, fan funding (AKA crowd funding) is a solution to consider seriously.  In this case, a variety of enthusiasts make an upfront financial investment in your project.  Contributions can range anywhere from the price of a CD to thousands of dollars.  Fans are rewarded for their support through a number of incentives.  As a side benefit, this method causes participants to increase their loyalty and interest in your music.

The following three videos, featuring  Ariel Hyatt and Brian Meece of RocketHub, explore the world of fan funding.

One Response to “Fan Funding: Financing Recordings & Other Artistic Projects”

1. FriedGold says:

   September 3, 2010 at 4:51 am

   Very useful thanks. I’m interested in the concept of fan funding. Have any artists been successful in launching a career this way?