Starting any new artistic project has its own challenges, and keeping up with new promotional technology and marketing methods is at the top of the list.
Lets face it, traditional record labels are either dead or facing extinction. It has never been easier for artists to record and release an album from the comfort of their own homes.
However, reaching the right target audience and demographics is still the biggest challenge. Many projects have failed simply due to unrealistic expectations and going over budget during the creation period.
On the other hand, with the wide variety of music styles and bands actively producing music, it is getting harder for music lovers to find a connection to new music that gives the same old goosebumps.
Out with the old and in with the new D2F (Direct To Fan) marketing methods.
Social media, and micropayment technology have made it straightforward to engage and secure donations from potentially interested supporters at a very low and affordable cost.
“Crowd Funding” provides a viable solution by gathering artist support and financial backing before the project is launched, giving the artist a realistic idea of what to expect down the road, eliminating the middle man, and by giving the fans a personal connection to the music by having a part in the creation of the project. In return, the supporters get back something special, and customized from the artist, in addition to the goosebumps.
Simply stated, if the project reaches its funding goal within the specified time, all the pledges are collected. If the project falls short, no one gets charged.
At the very least, the supporters get Good Karma!
In the tradition of launching grass roots projects in support of struggling Iranian musicians on Iranian.com, we bring you our first “Crowd Funding” project: Funding the new Blues album “Lost” by Iranian musician Babak Mirzakhani, better known as “Mirza”.
Check it out here, and Happy Thanksgiving!
