subject: Rockethub helps musicians fund projects [print this page] Rockethub helps musicians fund projects Rockethub helps musicians fund projects
Back in the days of Beethoven, musicians had patrons who paid their expenses. But now, as Brian Meece says, "Beethoven plus social networking equals crowd funding." Meece is part of a new group of entrepreneurs that are helping musicians fund projects. It is a concept known as crowd funding.
Crowd fundinggetting a little financial support from a lot of fansis helping musicians such as Niall Connolly tour raise nearly five thousand dollars to master and manufacture his new album, while others, such as Sweet Soubrette, funded a tour with donations from fans on Rockethub. Musicians and singers post a budget and describe the project they are wanting to do, and fans, friends and family decide what level of funding they want to provide.
"With the collapse of the traditional industry model, crowd funding is helping musicians find new outlets," Meece says. "We've been surprised at the funding. It turns out that the average funding per donor is about fifty bucks. The average amount musicians and artists get is five thousand dollars. That's fifty dollars from one hundred people."
He says there are three secrets to a successful project on his site. 1. You gotta have heart. The project has to get people excited about it. 2. You gotta have friends. It's all about creating a sense of community with your music, and 3. Rewards. Successful artists on Rockethub offer prizes, events and rewards for varying levels of financial support. This can include private concerts, and things like cooking a meal for the donors.
Meecehimself is a musician, and though the site funds other types of projects, helping musicians is near and dear to his heart. "We're changing the world in terms of how creative work is funded and distributed," he says. "It's part of the new creative economy."
That "creative economy" means that musicians no longer have to bow to the demands of major labels, and can take their projects directly to the people. One sign of a viable project is whether or not people are willing to put money behind it. Rockethub helps answer that question.
So here's the link to find out about how to hook up with Rockethub: http://www.examiner.com/local-music-in-new-york/rockethub-new-york-musicians-find-funding-for-projects
Now dust off that idea you had and get your music to the people!
