Amanda Palmer promoting her Kickstarter campaign
Three months ago Kickstarter celebrated its third anniversary collecting funds for creative projects. With the system, the general public is able to kick start projects with financial support to receive rewards.
Kickstarter began publicly releasing its statistics June 21, 2012. Since the company’s launch in April 2009, $302 million has been pledged towards projects classified in 13 categories including music, film/video, publishing, art, theater, and photography.
Fifty-four percent of Music campaigns have reached their goals, Country being the most successful genre at 62%. The catch, however, is that donations are paid on an all-or-nothing basis. Meaning, if the forecasted financial goal is not met, all pledges will be void and the project remains unfunded.
With a total of 65,425 projects launched for all categories (3,756 in progress), and an overall success rate of 44.01%, the paid total equates to some $249 million.
In May, musician Amanda Palmer set out to raise $100,000 with her campaign. Thirty days later, the musician became an anomaly, breaking the $1 million mark with the support of almost 25,000 backers. Palmer’s $1.2 million marks Kickstarter’s seventh most profitable campaign—the highest being for a watch that syncs with smartphones that reached $10.3 million.
It is worth mentioning that Palmer did not get her start with this Kickstarter project. She had an established following from a Roadrunner Records deal as part of The Dresden Dolls. When the duo separated from the label in 2010, Palmer maintained constant communication with fans online.
For creators, clearly defined goals with fun and creative incentives are key. Palmer’s fans received a digital album for donations of just $1; a PDF for $5; $25 and $50 for digital plus CD or vinyl, respectively; and a limited-edition art book plus the above for $125. Kickstarter outlined a breakdown of the rewards with the corresponding graph.
Of nearly 23,000 digital pre-orders, a notable 80% of Palmer’s backers paid in excess to receive tangible additions including private shows, personal mixtapes, and studio visits.
In a May 22 blog post, Palmer debunks a frequent question of: “Are you loaded?” with a detailed analysis of the cost layout for overhead, rewards, and touring, noting she will personally take home about $100,000:
It COSTS REAL MONEY to manufacture and distribute a record, to have a staff and a publicist, to promote an artist and tour a band. That will never truly change.
But now, because we can reach out fans directly without the machine, artists are empowered to call the shots and keep whatever’s leftover…not the labels. Of course, I could send cheap-ass jewel case CDs, fire my staff, make a cheap book on xerox paper, and tour just with a solo piano…with no crew, no band….and RAKE IN THE DOUGH. I could potentially do that and walk with close to half a million dollars. but the products would suck and nobody would ever trust me again.
There are no fees to begin a campaign, but successful projects are subject to a 5% Kickstarter fee and anywhere from 5-10% processing fee from Amazon. The company is based out of New York, currently supporting a staff of 39.
Kickstarter and The Million Dollar Campaign
/by Eric T. ParkerAmanda Palmer promoting her Kickstarter campaign
Three months ago Kickstarter celebrated its third anniversary collecting funds for creative projects. With the system, the general public is able to kick start projects with financial support to receive rewards.
Kickstarter began publicly releasing its statistics June 21, 2012. Since the company’s launch in April 2009, $302 million has been pledged towards projects classified in 13 categories including music, film/video, publishing, art, theater, and photography.
Fifty-four percent of Music campaigns have reached their goals, Country being the most successful genre at 62%. The catch, however, is that donations are paid on an all-or-nothing basis. Meaning, if the forecasted financial goal is not met, all pledges will be void and the project remains unfunded.
With a total of 65,425 projects launched for all categories (3,756 in progress), and an overall success rate of 44.01%, the paid total equates to some $249 million.
In May, musician Amanda Palmer set out to raise $100,000 with her campaign. Thirty days later, the musician became an anomaly, breaking the $1 million mark with the support of almost 25,000 backers. Palmer’s $1.2 million marks Kickstarter’s seventh most profitable campaign—the highest being for a watch that syncs with smartphones that reached $10.3 million.
It is worth mentioning that Palmer did not get her start with this Kickstarter project. She had an established following from a Roadrunner Records deal as part of The Dresden Dolls. When the duo separated from the label in 2010, Palmer maintained constant communication with fans online.
For creators, clearly defined goals with fun and creative incentives are key. Palmer’s fans received a digital album for donations of just $1; a PDF for $5; $25 and $50 for digital plus CD or vinyl, respectively; and a limited-edition art book plus the above for $125. Kickstarter outlined a breakdown of the rewards with the corresponding graph.
Of nearly 23,000 digital pre-orders, a notable 80% of Palmer’s backers paid in excess to receive tangible additions including private shows, personal mixtapes, and studio visits.
In a May 22 blog post, Palmer debunks a frequent question of: “Are you loaded?” with a detailed analysis of the cost layout for overhead, rewards, and touring, noting she will personally take home about $100,000:
There are no fees to begin a campaign, but successful projects are subject to a 5% Kickstarter fee and anywhere from 5-10% processing fee from Amazon. The company is based out of New York, currently supporting a staff of 39.
Richie to Mentor NSAI Song Contest Winner
/by FreemanSongwriters from all genres are encouraged to send their best work to be judged by an expert panel in multiple categories, including the Lyric-Only category added in 2011. One Grand Prize winner will be awarded, as well as a CMT Listeners’ Choice Winner, and one Lyric-Only Winner. The Grand Prize winner will get a one-hour mentorship session with Lionel Richie. Additional prizes include a single-song professional demo, tickets to the 2013 CMT Music Awards, and more.
Entry fees total $35 for NSAI members and $45 for non-members for each song being entered. Proceeds will benefit the NSAI Legislative Fund. For details on submitting songs, visit www.nsai.cmt.com.
Artist Updates (7/30/12)
/by Freeman“Come Over,” one of the biggest hits of Kenny Chesney’s career, has topped all the charts to make the superstar’s 24th No. 1 single and been certified Gold for digital downloads. The song appears on Chesney’s latest album project Welcome To The Fishbowl. Chesney celebrated the milestone when his Brothers of the Sun tour with Tim McGraw rolled through Cleveland over the weekend.
Front row: WQMX/Akron PD Sue Wilson, WQMX MD Jody Wheatley, Chesney, WCMS/Outer Banks MD Jill Dambach, Betty Abrams; Middle: WQMX/Akron Director of Sales Donna Reusser, Janet Connolly, WCMS/Outer Banks PD Mark Lindow, Columbia Nashville regional David Friedman; Back: WGAR/Cleveland PD Charley Connolly, WGAR OM Keith Abrams
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The video for Miranda Lambert’s “Fastest Girl In Town” well feature the singer along with her partner in crime, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick. The pair shoot pool, flirt with men, and steal cars in the clip, which also features a cameo from actor W. Earl Brown (Deadwood). See the video here. In other Lambert news, her single “Baggage Claim” has been certified Gold.
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You’ve seen the posters around the Row. Capitol Records’ finest have been dressed (or Photoshopped) up and heavily armed to celebrate the success Dierks Bentley’s 10th No. 1 single “5-1-5-0.” Nice legs, Hodges.
Top Industry Tweeters
/by Sarah SkatesAccording to the publication, the second annual Twitter 140 is designed to track “the voices who steer the conversation about the music industry and digital culture, and also for music (and Twitter) obsessives who constantly share their discoveries.”
Top Tweeters with Nashville Ties:
Storme Warren, GAC, @StormeWarren
Jay Frank, DigSin, @RepoJay
Mark Montgomery, Echo Music, @HelloMarko
Brian O’Connell, Live Nation, @BocCountry
Rosanne Cash, Musician, @RosanneCash
Shooter Jennings, Singer/Songwriter; DJ, SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country; @ShooterJennings
See the full list here.
Also, MusicRow ranks artists by the number of Twitter Followers and Facebook Friends in a continuously updated chart.
Chris Stapleton to Open For Southern Rock Royalty
/by Eric T. ParkerAt these dates, Stapleton will play acoustic sets for crowds in 20,000 capacity venues.
“I’ve looked up to these guys for a long time…it’s a huge honor,” said Stapleton. “I’ve got a pretty tall task ahead of me in warming up crowds this big with just my acoustic guitar, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
As a songwriter, Stapleton has penned four No. 1 songs and had over 150 album cuts from artists including Adele, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and Dierks Bentley.
Benefit News: Perry Baggs Memorial and Concert
/by Sarah SkatesAs previously reported, a tribute concert and fundraiser headlined by Jason and the Scorchers is set for Aug. 18, 7 p.m. at the Exit In. Proceeds will go to Baggs’ burial expenses. Tickets at exitin.com.
Baggs’ longtime girlfriend Katrina Cornwell is coordinating fundraising. A Pay Pal account is set up under perrybaggs@yahoo.com, and First Tennessee Bank has an account named “memorial of Perry Baggs III.” Donations via check or money order can be mailed to Cornwell. Reach her on Facebook or by email.
• Musicians On Call’s Young Professionals Committee and Tin Roof Nashville will present Rumble at the Roof on Sat., Aug. 25 from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Games will include giant inflatable obstacle course, dunking booth, Minute-to-Win-It games, ring toss, Foursquare and Twister. Tickets are available here and include one drink, a t-shirt and unlimited games for the first 200 ticket buyers. This is a 21+ event.
• The Hate Cancer Music Event at Mercy Lounge presented by Lightning 100, the Nashville Scene and Carnival Music is scheduled for Thurs., Aug. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Artists set to perform include Pageant, The Granny Whites, Madeleine Slate, Orleck, Mando Saenz, Jen Foster and surprise guests. There will be food from Moe’s Southwest Grill. The event will benefit the American Cancer Society of Middle TN. Tickets and details at www.mercylounge.com.
• On Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. The Mocha Club is hosting a 7th birthday bash at Rocketown with performances by Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, Ernie Halter, Parachute and more. The Nashville-based nonprofit organization is made up of members who give up the cost of a few mochas, about $7, to fund relief and development projects in Africa.
• Tim McGraw recently launched HomeFront, in partnership with Operation Homefront and Chase, to award mortgage-free homes to wounded warriors and service members at his summer concerts. On July 21 at Mile High Stadium, McGraw presented U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Jesse Bowser with a home in Colorado Springs, Colo. At his July 29 concert at Cleveland Browns Stadium, McGraw congratulated U.S. Army Specialist Frank DeLorenzo on his new home in North Royalton, Ohio.
• Neal McCoy has joined ChildFund International’s LIVE! team with Thompson Square, David Archuleta, PFR (Pray for Rain), and County Throwdown Tour. McCoy is sponsoring a child from the Philippines through the organization which ensures children have access to education, clean water and health care.
• Registration is open for the 13th Annual Miller Harris Golf Tournament. The event is set for Mon., Sept. 10 at Temple Hills Golf Club in Franklin, TN. Register here. For more information on playing in the tournament, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor call 615-479-8525 or email millerharrisfoundation@gmail.com.
From The Road (7/30/12)
/by FreemanCarrie a Tune
KJ97 in San Antonio won the privilege of a red carpet Private Premiere Saturday night (7/28) of the video for Carrie Underwood’s single “Blown Away,” which was directed by Randee St. Nicholas. The video premieres worldwide tonight (7/30) on E!. More info here.
(L-R): Carrie; Randee St. Nicholas, "Blown Away" video director; Lesly Tyson, VP, National Promotion, Arista Nashville; and, Bree Wagner, Music Director/Middays, KJ97. Photo: Todd White
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Cruise Loose
Newly signed Republic Nashville duo Florida Georgia Line is picking up momentum with its infections debut single “Cruise,” which has sold over 150,000 copies. Over the weekend, Q93 invited FGL to Southbound Courtyard in Knoxville, TN, where the duo performed for the crowd.
(L-R): FGL’s Brian Kelley (from Ormond Beach, FL); Q93 Program Director Mike Hammond; and FGL’s Tyler Hubbard (from Monroe, GA).
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Attn: Girls That Drink Beer
Toby Keith continues to sell out dates on his Live In Overdrive Tour, including his recent stop in Pittsburgh, PA.
(L-R): WDSY/PD Mark Anderson, WDSY's Wookie, Show Dog Universal Music's Macy Morgenthaler, Keith, and WDSY/MD Stoney Richards with his kilowatt smile.
Josh Turner Releasing Cracker Barrel Exclusive Live Album
/by Eric T. ParkerJosh Turner out on tour this year. Photo: George Holz
Josh Turner is planning to release his second Cracker Barrel exclusive album, Josh Turner—Live Across America, on Aug. 27.
The live recordings were made during 12 different live shows throughout Turner’s 2012 Cracker Barrel-sponsored tour, which continues through December. The collection, which includes a never-before-released version of Waylon Jennings’ “America,” will be available in Cracker Barrel stores, online on crackerbarrel.com, Amazon, and on iTunes. Turner previously partnered with Cracker Barrel for 2007’s Live at the Ryman.
“We came up with the idea of taking a mobile studio out on the road and recording our show every night,” said Turner. “And that’s what Live Across America is: the best renditions of songs from all over the country.”
In addition, a sweepstakes is available from the Old Country Store offering an all-expenses paid trip to Nashville to meet Turner before his performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Entries for the contest will be accepted through Sept. 14. Official details here.
Josh Turner—Live Across America track listing:
1) “All Over Me” – Live In Biloxi, MS (3:28)
2) “Firecracker” – Live In Lancaster, PA (3:47)
3) “Everything Is Fine” – Live In Knoxville, TN (3:52)
4) “So Not My Baby” – Live In Lake Charles, LA (3:35)
5) “Would You Go With Me” – Live In Plant City, FL (3:48)
6) “Long Black Train” – Live In Austin, TX (5:27)
7) “I Wouldn’t Be A Man” – Live In Savannah, GA (3:39)
8) “Me And God” – Live In Key Largo, FL (3:17)
9) “Another Try” – Live In Atlanta, GA (3:51)
10) “Your Man” – Live in Kansas City, MO (3:38)
11) “America” – Live in Charlottesville, VA (3:33)
12) “Why Don’t We Just Dance” – Live In Atlantic City, NJ (4:00)
Lady A Wraps European Run
/by Sarah SkatesDuring the tour Lady A played its first-ever shows for Scandanavian fans in Copenhagen, Denmark; Gothenburg and Stockholm, Sweden; and Seljord, Norway.
Lady A keeps Copenhagen fans on their feet.
This marked the group’s second visit to Switzerland, with the most recent tour including a stop in Zurich where they performed at an outdoor venue on a beautiful night. In the UK, the trio played in Glasgow, and took a break from their headlining run to open for Bruce Springsteen in London’s Hyde Park.
Lady A at Hyde Park opening for Springsteen.
Photos by Adam Boatman.
Snapshots (7/30/12)
/by MichelleJason Aldean recently played at the Country Thunder Festival in Twin Lakes, WI and visited with some friends from WMAD/Madison, WI. Aldean’s new single “Take A Little Ride” from his upcoming album is already at No. 32 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart.
(L-R): Broken Bow Records' Carson James, Jason Aldean, WMAD's Abby Zellmer, WMAD's Mike Ferris
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Warner Music Nashville’s July 26 “Pickin’ On The Patio” event featured Big Smo.
(L-R): Warner Music Nashville Sr. VP Brand Management and Sales Peter Strickland, WMN artist Big Smo and WMN Sr. VP of Promotion Chris Stacey.