We spend a fair amount of time here at L&R talking about having a purpose worth backing.

Because we are dedicated to helping musicians, that purpose is typically music-related.

Here is a band, however, whose art clearly has more purpose than simply music.

Today’s treat is a band from Philadelphia, PA, called The Extraordinaires.  The moniker seems to fit.  These guys take the art of music to another level by layering in visual and theatrical arts.

The Extraordinaires have previously released 3 full-length albums on a now defunct label and are trying to move forward on their own for the first time.

View The Extraordinaires Kickstarter

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THE PURPOSE OF ARTISTRY

This Kickstarter project makes a great first impression:  it screams FUN!

But as you dig in further, it also makes a great second impression…  these guys are really artists!

They do not stop at making making music.  They continue on by creating artistic and imaginative packaging for their CDs in the form of a storybook.

They also create theatrical productions.

They also, apparently, turn their instruments into visual art.

This is awesome stuff!  And it is truly a cause for people to back.

If I may…

Fans WANT to back ARTISTS…  ARTISTIC endeavors… ART!

You may not create storybook packaging but you, too, are an artist.  IMHO, this important fact can get lost in the shuffle.

But don’t forget it.

Everybody viewing your page knows you are making music.  Express to them how you are making ART.  This is how you make emotional, personal connections with fans.

Think about how you can convey your artistry and capitalize on the audience’s desire to help facilitate art.

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THE TAKEAWAY

I know that this is a short post but, every once in awhile, we both just need to take a deep breath and remember.

Remember what this is all about.

Remember why you are doing your Kickstarter.

Now make sure you share that through your project and with everybody you know…

I also want to post my interview with Jay from The Extraordinaires.  He makes some really great techincal points…
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OUR INTERVIEW WITH JAY FROM THE EXTRAORDINAIRES:

L&R: What was the biggest problem/frustration/challenge/fear of hitting the “launch” button?

Jay:  The biggest challenge is taking whatever project you want to do and fitting it into the parameters of a Kickstarter project. Pricing out your tiers is key, because you want to offer incentives that are enough to merit a donation but won’t cost too much to produce. In our case, it is hard to convince potential backers to support your cause for a new album without something for them to listen to — it has really helped having 8 years under our belt because we have established a fan base that trusts us with their donations!

L&R: How many people are on your mailing list and are you using it for your Kickstarter project?

Jay:  We have around 2,000 people on our mailing list. We are waiting to use our mailing list for a second surge of support — our first wave was based on social media to get the word out. Getting friends and family to share your link is vital to the success of your Kickstarter.

L&R: Any other thoughts, experience or hindsight that you think would help?

Jay:  Spend time on your video. It is the first thing people will see and ultimately bridges the gap between you and your audience. Pay someone to do this for you if you don’t have anyone willing to donate their time and equipment!

L&R: There you have it, wise words straight from the artists mouth!