I don’t know much about Soil.

(I kind of want to insert a joke about my former experience winning a “Soils and Range” competition when I was in high school FFA…  but I’m really not sure I can make it funny.  If only I could relate it back to livestock judging somehow…)

So, apparently, Soil has been around for a decade and a half and has a few label releases under their belt.

Also apparently, the label-money-tree isn’t growing like it used to so they are using a Kickstarter to fund their next project.

This is not surprising to you or I or anybody else that is here.  It probably isn’t surprising to Soil.

So, imagine my surprise when I ran across this article in which disdain is expressed for the fact that Soil is ‘begging for money’ (the implication).

Interesting development that fans may feel entitled to somebody else funding your art.

How do you deal with this?

Well, first, just carry on with your Kickstarter!  You will never be able to placate all the critics.

Second, as frontman Ryan McCombs semi-successfully lays out in this article, communicate the purpose of crowdfunding your album:

Collaboration/shared venture with the fan and unique reward opportunities.

And when it’s all said and done, sincerely thank the fan for their patronage.

Then, recognizing that many fans DO understand the economics of the modern music industry, simply go on your way.  It’s all an artist can really do.

View Soil Kickstarter

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PACKAGES FOR THE TURBO-FAN

By this time, I have almost forgotten why I noted this Kickstarter in the first place!

But, here you go…  Soil has some really great mid-level packages for the turbo-fan.

• $175:  Soil logo burned in red and black box including 2 dog tags, shooter shot glass, and white engraved tile.
• $300:  Back stage laminate for 2.  “Get this package as a holiday gift for someone special. We will send you a SOiL Holiday Card describing the purchase.”
• $1000:  Exclusive VIP intimate club performance in downtown Chicago for 2. Free drinks!  Another holiday gift opportunity

A Few Package Reminders For The Rest Of Us

Price your acoustic, in-home concert so that it gets some action.  Often, this is the most valuable asset that you have as a musician, so make it count!  Remember, a few big fish backers will go a loooong way towards funding your project!

Offer any part of you that is unique.  For example, what if Soil’s frontman also happens to be a master gardner?  This may not seem relevant to a band like Soil in the least, but you offer up some master gardner lessons at a couple hundred bucks and you might be surprised!  The range of peoples’ interests will never cease to amaze.

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THE TAKEAWAY

As with any artistic endeavor, launching a Kickstarter comes with opportunity for criticism.

DON’T let this dissuade you!

When faced with doubters, be sure that you can eloquently communicate both why you are doing a Kickstarter and why it is preferable even for the fan ~ fan participation AND reward opportunities.

And NAIL those mid and upper-level packages to really push your project ahead!