Most crowdfunding campaigns offer many of the same perks. Outside of a pre-order of the album, you might get a t-shirt, koozie, sticker, handwritten lyrics or even a house concert. But offering backer perks beyond the usual can be a great lure to get your fans to pledge at a higher level than they might otherwise. This month, I've got three campaigns that go beyond the music with their backer perks.
Pete Mason and Mark Serlo- The Widespread Alphabet
I'm always on the lookout for campaigns of this sort. Campaigns that are music-related, but not traditional music projects. Typically, those run toward photo collections or the occasional biography. This is the first children's book I've ever featured here. Author Pete Mason has created a picture book for children just learning the alphabet that pulls from the work of Athens-based jam rockers Widespread Panic. Mason has plenty of experience in this area, having already produced alphabet books featuring The Grateful Dead and Phish. To illustrate, Mason tapped veteran artist Mark Serlo, who has illustrated merchandise for the likes of The Disco Biscuits and Umphrey's McGee. Mason's Kickstarter campaign is primarily a pre-order campaign for the book, though you can also get it bundled with his Phish or Grateful Dead alphabet books as well.
If you think you're not familiar with the music of The Neighbors, try putting “Drew Holcomb and...” in front of it. Yes, it's those Neighbors. The longtime backing band for Drew Holcomb is branching out and working on their debut album of original material, with enthusiastic blessing from Holcomb himself in the band's campaign video. If you're wondering what The Neighbors sound like as a solo act, they're describing their music as the “lush with the sounds of Laurel Canyon folk, Britpop, and Heartland rock.” Sounds interesting. For their ambitious $35,000 Kickstarter campaign, the band is offering a number of perks. You can purchase a pre-order of the album in digital and vinyl formats. You can also get a t-shirt, a Nashville listening party and Q&A with the band, a virtual music lesson with a band member of your choice, a one of a kind kiln-fired pottery piece with a name or slogan on it, and a chance to spend 1-2 days in the studio with the band.
Ethan Setiawan and Fine Ground- Little Storms
Ethan Setiawan is a master of the mandolin. In addition to being a graduate of Berklee, Setiawan has also won both the National Mandolin Championship and the Rockygrass Mandolin Championship and released two solo albums produced by roots music legend Darol Anger (David Grisman Quintet). Now he's working with his progressive bluegrass project Fine Ground to raise funds for their debut album. The album is a collection of original tunes and covers of songs by some of Setiawan's favorite songwriters. For Fine Ground's $10,000 Kickstarter campaign, there are several unique backer perks. The album is available in digital, CD, and vinyl formats. You can also get a coffee mug handmade by Ethan's father, a vinyl bundle that includes Ethan's solo albums, an hour-long mandolin lesson, and a house concert.
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