Our guitarist Mark is also in an alt-pop band (SuperSoFar) that used that website service to help put out their most recent album.
After hearing how they went about using it, and getting their fans to take part in donating to the cause, it caught my interest ,but I have mixed feelings on it. Each artist/band situation is different, and there are several different options available to those that want to use the service. Theyre fan base is limited to the local scene, however does include a few stragglers outside the local scene that follow them, and discovered them on iTunes. Needless to say, theyre fan base vs. donation amount didnt quite balance, and it was a cumbersome challenge for them to make their goal amount. ($5,000 I think it was?) On paper, for them to make the goal, each fan would have had to donate $100, Fortunately some donated more than that, and some donated nearly nothing, but they made their goal, but it wasnt without a lot of stress, haggling and pleading for several months.
For independent artists (or even signed?) that have an established, dedicated, "marillion-style" fan base, this is a very good way to go. In fact, it would be crazy not to do it. In essence, you really have nothing to lose. The only negative thing that could go awry from this process, is not meeting your goal, and failing to meet your fans demands of the perks offered if and when you meet that goal, as well as financially meeting kickstarters minimum. In a nut shell, it could take a while to meet their/your goal depending on the amount of money you are asking for, how dedicated and large your fan base, and if your comfortable being a snake-oil salesman. If you fail, your donations get refunded and you have to start all over again.
Personally, I would be willing to give this a shot, as I am financially in the red with our latest album. I wont go into the politics of the industry on this, or how its emotionally effected my personal life, as its a sensitive subject for me, however, I have a real issue with being a snake oil salesmen and trying to beg for money from others. Call it pride, or stubbornness, but I just cant do it. I also personally dislike other bands/artist (especially ones I have never even heard of) emailing me on my personal email, our bands email account, Facebook, MySpace ect. acting out of desperation, spamming the hell out of me like their world will collapse if I dont listen to them and help them out
or shooting me a message that reads like an oxy-clean commercial. I just cant take the business seriously anymore. I dunno
I have real issues here.
To each his own though, do what works for you.
