I've written several columns in the past about the importance of vinyl production in campaigns that can afford the upfront cost of production. And I've written about how the CD is dying a slow death of neglect. But I've never devoted space to the one medium that is the first thing you'll see on almost every crowdfunding campaign, the humble digital download, which is these days where artists see the majority of their support come from. It may take a lot of $15 download pledges to equal one $50 vinyl purchase but it's a great entry point for those who may listen on Spotify but still want to support your project in some way.
Amber Westerman- Rose Colored Mess
In 2023, Amber Westerman used Kickstarter to raise over $7,000 for her debut EP. On the back of that success, being a finalist in the Kent Finlay Song Search contest in both 2023 and 2024, and the warm reception to her single “Barefoot Days” back in January, the Texas native already has a flight booked to Nashville to begin recording her debut LP Rose Colored Mess. If the single is any indicator, this album will continue the pop-tinged Americana sound found on her EP. Westerman has set an ambitious “all or nothing” goal of $24,000 for this campaign. She's got the album available for pre-order in digital and vinyl formats. She also has a host of other merch and experience related backer perks such as phone wallpapers, an “affirmation” playing card deck, a signed poster, a 60-minute portrait session photographed by Westerman, and a house concert.
What happens when a group of Appalachian Celtic musicians meet up with a group of steampunk enthusiasts and then connect with a drum circle? You get one of the most unique roots music bands I've ever heard, Tuatha Dea. Formed in 2010, Tuatha Dea has released six previous albums and toured internationally. Their seventh, appropriately titled VII is now seeking funding on Indiegogo. They've already dropped the names of some of their originals for this one, as well as a couple of traditional covers (“The Frost is All Over” and “Foggy Dew”) and one rock cover (Thin Lizzy's “Emerald.”) Their goal for this campaign is $8,000 and, as of this writing, they're already halfway there. The campaign is completely album-based, with no other backer perks available. You can get the new album in digital or CD formats or their back catalog in digital or CD formats, in a regular or “super” package which includes extra MP3 tracks not included on their albums.
Hitch & the Giddyup- Wreck this Train
Hitch & the Giddyup have been working the Northeast touring circuit since their formation in 2014. Along the way, they've released three well-received albums of progressive bluegrass blended with classic country. Now they're preparing to release their fourth album, Wreck This Train, and have launched a $5,000 Kickstarter campaign to recoup costs from the album, which they're already recorded. In just a few days, the band met their goal and are now in stretch funding territory. They're once again working with Grammy Award-winning producer Brendan Muldowney (Johnny Winter), who recorded their second album. For this campaign, they're betting it all on the album, without any other backer perks. The album will be available in digital download, CD, and vinyl formats, the latter two in signed and unsigned varieties.
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