Knowing all of the demands on an emerging artist today, when we heard about PledgeMusic we knew they were on to something. If you haven’t heard, PledgeMusic is a platform for fans and artists to work together to fund an artist’s latest project all while giving back to the artist’s favorite charity. Artists can even set up exclusive incentives for fans (think dinner made by your beloved band or voice lessons) in exchange for funds and access to special blog posts and vlogs taking the relationship between artists and fans to the next level.
Sounds pretty cool, right? Well you don’t have to take our word for it. We chatted with Shirley Crabbe, a Sonicbids artist who met her Pledge goal, to learn about her experience with PledgeMusic.
And all that Jazz
A performer since 16, Crabbe began singing solos in church and at school, a start that would eventually lead to studying voice full time at Northwestern University and the Manhattan School of Music. After taking a break from singing 10 years due to a vocal injury, she combined her drive and the encouragement of the people in her life to become a jazz singer.
As for PledgeMusic, Crabbe got started when she saw PledgeMusic on Sonicbids, “I felt that I could trust PledgeMusic to help me raise the needed funds for my debut CD.” After evaluating her needs, she decided on a goal that would help her raise money to cover costs for mixing and mastering her new album and spread the word to her fans and friends on Twitter, Facebook and through her mailing lists. “I think that most of my friends have ridden this journey with me for a long time and are ready to see me make it. I also think that they connected with the idea of giving a portion of the proceeds to charity – it’s a very humane thing to do.”
Food for the Soul
Crabbe got creative with incentives for her fans to help raise funds. “Personally speaking, my favorite incentive is the “handmade mittens”– because it’s such a personal gift,” she spills. It’s due to thoughtful ideas like these and exclusive posts to her fans that Crabbe, and many others like her have exceeded their personal goals. Since meeting her goal, all additional funds raised go to the charity of her choice, Heifer International, whose mission is to end hunger and poverty.
Final Bow
Her final words to other artists who may want to raise funds through PledgeMusic? “Working with the PledgeMusic team has been an absolute joy! From the very beginning, I felt believed in. The fact that my project was a success is a testimony to the wonderful guidance and advice that I received from the staff. After my project moved into the funding stage, I received my payments exactly as promised.”
You can support Crabbe here or get started on your own campaign by clicking on the PledgeMusic App in the ‘Featured Apps’ section of your artist homepage.
