Today I’m recovering from a whirlwind trip to vegas and back in about 16 hours with 9 hours of driving, and 7 hours of concerts and poker. I’m tired. Beyond that, though, I’m very excited. Last night, I was front-row for CDB and Montgomery Gentry. What we have here is one of the true legends of Country Music as well as the top Country-Rock duo performing today.
Yes, I know that’ll disappoint many FGL fans out there, but those boys can’t TOUCH Troy and Eddie.
The show was incredible. On Charlie’s second song, he noticed me singing every word back at him, acknowledged it, and tossed me his fiddle bow. It now holds a proud place on the wall with my guitars.
About 9 years ago, I went to a show Rascal Flatts was headlining. I didn’t go to see them. I went because one of the featured acts that night was a young singer-songwriter on his way to stardom. That was Blake Shelton. At the end of his set, Blake walked to the front of the stage, handed me a guitar pick, and said “Hey man, hold onto this for me.” I still have it.
Now, this blog isn’t just a chronicle of the pieces of memorabilia I’ve collected from my country music brethren. It’s the sentiment behind both of those things that really matters to me. Those guys connected with me at their shows. Though Eddie and Troy didn’t toss anything out to me, they both interacted with myself, my friend Berwin, and many of the other fans around us. They weren’t simply singing out into the ether. It wasn’t “Look at me” - it was more “Let me look at YOU.”
Many of today’s artists seem to want everyone to praise them for being on stage. They deal in adoration. They appear to want people to care about them before they care about those people who have paid their hard-earned money to be at the show. I don’t get that. Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Montgomery Gentry - these are artists whose shows I’ve attended in the past few weeks, and all of those artists put their fans first. They connect, they take the time and make the effort to do the SMALL things.
Today, Blake Shelton followed me on twitter. Sure, that doesn’t seem like much to a lot of people…but he’s a guy who does it right…and taking that small step really means a great deal to me.
As I progress in my own career, I hope I will always remember these simple things that my heroes have done, and that I also will do things the right way.
Yeahcomeon.
- Dukes
Thoughts of a Country Artist
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Garth Live From Vegas - AGAIN
I hadn’t seen Garth brooks in 16 years until July. Now I’ve seen him twice in six months. The experience was no less awesome the second time, I’ll tell you that. And in this one, I got to see even more of his personality. I’ve been around televised musical performances for years now, and there all generally pretty similar. The talent arrives on set, goes on stage, does the performance, and that’s it. They leave. If they’re doing multiple performances, they generally talk to the stage managers and such on breaks.
Not Garth.
No, Garth Brooks talked with the audience, introduced himself, shook hands, took pictures, even played not-for-air songs just for the crowd who was there to be with him. The man can’t help it - every show he does has to be its own animal. It has to be for the fans who are there in the room. You can watch him twenty times, and get a different show each time. Oh sure, the same basic script is there…maybe even the same setlist. But, there’s always something new. There’s always something different. Some joke, some spontaneous moment, some song that he hadn’t planned but just HAS to play.
And that’s going to make that experience unique. It’s going to make it something that you have, and he has, and the two of you share - forever.
Still learning from that guy.
He came down into the audience at one point, to shoot a “podbuster” in the middle of commercials. As he passed me, he put his hand on my back and said “Thank ya bud.” He’ll never remember that moment - but it will stay with me til there’s dirt at my door. Once again, Garth found a way to connect solely with me - and it gave me pause.
I wonder if some kid will be thinking similarly of me in thirty years. Who knows? I doubt I’ll be touched with anywhere near the success and fame that Garth has been - but I do hope that I can affect someone out there the same way he has me. THAT, my friends, is a gift that keeps on giving.
Yeahcomon!
- Dukes
Not Garth.
No, Garth Brooks talked with the audience, introduced himself, shook hands, took pictures, even played not-for-air songs just for the crowd who was there to be with him. The man can’t help it - every show he does has to be its own animal. It has to be for the fans who are there in the room. You can watch him twenty times, and get a different show each time. Oh sure, the same basic script is there…maybe even the same setlist. But, there’s always something new. There’s always something different. Some joke, some spontaneous moment, some song that he hadn’t planned but just HAS to play.
And that’s going to make that experience unique. It’s going to make it something that you have, and he has, and the two of you share - forever.
Still learning from that guy.
He came down into the audience at one point, to shoot a “podbuster” in the middle of commercials. As he passed me, he put his hand on my back and said “Thank ya bud.” He’ll never remember that moment - but it will stay with me til there’s dirt at my door. Once again, Garth found a way to connect solely with me - and it gave me pause.
I wonder if some kid will be thinking similarly of me in thirty years. Who knows? I doubt I’ll be touched with anywhere near the success and fame that Garth has been - but I do hope that I can affect someone out there the same way he has me. THAT, my friends, is a gift that keeps on giving.
Yeahcomon!
- Dukes
Saturday, November 23, 2013
House of Blues - ROCKED
Last night ROCKED!
We played the House of Blues, and I put the new show in full swing. Storytelling, singing, the whole nine yards. It was incredible. There was no fumbling through the setlist, no awkward pauses while we re-tuned, or changed instruments. No, it was a seamless show from start to finish. Forty-One minutes and twenty-three seconds of kickass.
And that’s coming from the Fans, not just from yours truly. Comments I heard last night:
“I Hate Country Music - But I love Your Music. Damnit man, you made me like Country.”
“I didn’t know country could be so rockin”
“Your stories were awesome - they really got me into the songs!”
“I had no IDEA I could have so much fun with country music - can I buy a CD?”
“You guys KILLED it!”
I was blessed to be on stage with friends who are fantastic musicians, and in front of so many people. Over 850 fans filled the dance floor, surrounding areas, and the balcony at House of Blues on Sunset in Los Angeles. Sure, they didn’t know what to expect when the first downbeat hit, and we featured a BANJO…but by the time we were done with Merle’s classic “Mama Tried”, the whole place was on our side.
Thanks so much to all who came out. This is only the beginning!
YEAHCOMEON!
- Dukes
We played the House of Blues, and I put the new show in full swing. Storytelling, singing, the whole nine yards. It was incredible. There was no fumbling through the setlist, no awkward pauses while we re-tuned, or changed instruments. No, it was a seamless show from start to finish. Forty-One minutes and twenty-three seconds of kickass.
And that’s coming from the Fans, not just from yours truly. Comments I heard last night:
“I Hate Country Music - But I love Your Music. Damnit man, you made me like Country.”
“I didn’t know country could be so rockin”
“Your stories were awesome - they really got me into the songs!”
“I had no IDEA I could have so much fun with country music - can I buy a CD?”
“You guys KILLED it!”
I was blessed to be on stage with friends who are fantastic musicians, and in front of so many people. Over 850 fans filled the dance floor, surrounding areas, and the balcony at House of Blues on Sunset in Los Angeles. Sure, they didn’t know what to expect when the first downbeat hit, and we featured a BANJO…but by the time we were done with Merle’s classic “Mama Tried”, the whole place was on our side.
Thanks so much to all who came out. This is only the beginning!
YEAHCOMEON!
- Dukes
(nearly all photos © Mike Danenberg - www.mikedanenberg.com)
Friday, November 22, 2013
The Hollywood Music In Media Awards
Tonight I attended the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA), as my song “Walkin Thru Hell” was nominated as “Country Song of the Year.” Didn’t win. Not incredibly surprised by this - not because I don’t think the song is worth the accolade; I certainly believe in that song, and am very proud to hold the nomination. No, I guess I just questioned whether or not a song like that would win ANY award in today’s country music market. Of course, the HMMA isn’t the CMAs or even the CMTs. It’s a HOLLYWOOD award. I guess it’s no big shock, then, that a “Swedish Country” song won the award.
Some in attendance were a bit peeved at this. I just laughed. The experience was an interesting one, to be sure. This was my first time walking a red carpet as a nominee. It was the first time I’d seen my name up on a screen of nominees. It was the first time someone had preceded me through a door holding my name on a card. It was the first time someone interviewed me on video about my music. Just all kind of…well, weird to be honest. Still, fun - entertaining.
I have to say, there are worse things in the world than being nominated for an award, getting your girlfriend dressed up, and walking down a red carpet with her. Kudos to the HMMA for giving me that opportunity. Will I submit music to them for consideration in the future? Doubtful. But, I am certainly glad to have received the nod this year.
I guess it’s true what they say - “Feels great just to be nominated.”
Yeahcomeon!
- Dukes
Some in attendance were a bit peeved at this. I just laughed. The experience was an interesting one, to be sure. This was my first time walking a red carpet as a nominee. It was the first time I’d seen my name up on a screen of nominees. It was the first time someone had preceded me through a door holding my name on a card. It was the first time someone interviewed me on video about my music. Just all kind of…well, weird to be honest. Still, fun - entertaining.
I have to say, there are worse things in the world than being nominated for an award, getting your girlfriend dressed up, and walking down a red carpet with her. Kudos to the HMMA for giving me that opportunity. Will I submit music to them for consideration in the future? Doubtful. But, I am certainly glad to have received the nod this year.
I guess it’s true what they say - “Feels great just to be nominated.”
Yeahcomeon!
- Dukes
Friday, July 5, 2013
Garth Brooks: Still teaching me about music
Seventeen years ago, I made my first ever ticketmaster purchase. I stood in line at a Publix in LaGrange, Georgia. At the time, Publix was a new installation there, and I felt like being in that store was a slap-in-the-face to the Kroger which had fed me for years. Still, Kroger had no ticketmaster outlet. No, I was in Publix...waiting for my chance to purchase tickets to Garth Brooks's "Fresh Horses" tour. The show would be in Atlanta, and there was no way I would miss it. That is, until the woman at the register told us that all three shows had sold out. I couldn't believe it. I was heartbroken...
Until she announced that they'd added another date...
And minutes later, that date sold out.
And then they added another date...
SOLD OUT.
When I walked up to the counter, I didn't hold out much hope....but I received tickets. Tickets for the final day of the now 6-day run. I attended the concert with two of my friends, and we were high in the rafters for the show. Garth exploded through the floor when he entered the stage. He ran all around, entertaining the thousands in attendance. And, at one moment, one sweet moment in history, he pointed directly at myself and my two friends who were giving him two thumbs up apiece. He pointed at us, and gave us two right back.
We would forever be connected.
Now, many years down the road, way has lead on to way and I have begun my foray into Country Music. That show still lingers in my mind...the way the music, the man, and the myth all intersected for me - it stands alone, indelible, as the benchmark by which a performance should be judged.
Or it did, until last night.
Last night, I saw Garth Brooks in a way I had never seen him before. It was him, and a guitar. That's it. No band. No lasers. Not even a lot of smoke (though I did see some of it rise in front of the lights that surrounded the small theater at the Wynn Casino. Garth took the crowd there on a journey. He started in the 1960s, and carried us all the way up through the late 90s, when he put his career on hold. And then, as if it weren't enough, he brought his wife, Trisha Yearwood, onto stage to perform as well. And there, on July 4, I saw the two of them sing an unrecorded, unreleased, "brand new" song for the audience.
The performance was gripping. Garth's entire show was funny, and touching, and meaningful, and at the end of it... even if you had never heard of the man, you were forever changed by having seen him. (I say this on good authority, as my girlfriend said it was the best show she'd ever seen...and she barely knew of Garth prior). It was him, and a guitar. It was Garth Brooks, his life, and the truth...and it was incredible.
I think that I put on a pretty good show. People seem to enjoy what I do...but that's not Garth. People live and breathe that man's music. It's a part of them. He forces them to listen, and to pay attention, and to actually give a damn about what he has to say. That should ALWAYS be our goal, as entertainers.
Near the end of the show, Garth sang a song by one of his major influences, "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. I have that song on CD, and I've listened to it hundreds of times, but I've never heard it quite like I did last night. There's a very simply line... "he knows that it's me, they've been coming to see, to forget about life for a while." The stories he weaves help people let go of everything outside the doors of the bar, concert hall, or stadium where he plays - and that's what we ALL should be doing.
17 years after Garth made me fall in love with the spectacle of his live show, he has made me once again fall in love the power of its simplicity. He made me give a damn.
I look forward to passing that on.
YEAHCOMEON
Until she announced that they'd added another date...
And minutes later, that date sold out.
And then they added another date...
SOLD OUT.
When I walked up to the counter, I didn't hold out much hope....but I received tickets. Tickets for the final day of the now 6-day run. I attended the concert with two of my friends, and we were high in the rafters for the show. Garth exploded through the floor when he entered the stage. He ran all around, entertaining the thousands in attendance. And, at one moment, one sweet moment in history, he pointed directly at myself and my two friends who were giving him two thumbs up apiece. He pointed at us, and gave us two right back.
We would forever be connected.
Now, many years down the road, way has lead on to way and I have begun my foray into Country Music. That show still lingers in my mind...the way the music, the man, and the myth all intersected for me - it stands alone, indelible, as the benchmark by which a performance should be judged.
Or it did, until last night.
Last night, I saw Garth Brooks in a way I had never seen him before. It was him, and a guitar. That's it. No band. No lasers. Not even a lot of smoke (though I did see some of it rise in front of the lights that surrounded the small theater at the Wynn Casino. Garth took the crowd there on a journey. He started in the 1960s, and carried us all the way up through the late 90s, when he put his career on hold. And then, as if it weren't enough, he brought his wife, Trisha Yearwood, onto stage to perform as well. And there, on July 4, I saw the two of them sing an unrecorded, unreleased, "brand new" song for the audience.
The performance was gripping. Garth's entire show was funny, and touching, and meaningful, and at the end of it... even if you had never heard of the man, you were forever changed by having seen him. (I say this on good authority, as my girlfriend said it was the best show she'd ever seen...and she barely knew of Garth prior). It was him, and a guitar. It was Garth Brooks, his life, and the truth...and it was incredible.
I think that I put on a pretty good show. People seem to enjoy what I do...but that's not Garth. People live and breathe that man's music. It's a part of them. He forces them to listen, and to pay attention, and to actually give a damn about what he has to say. That should ALWAYS be our goal, as entertainers.
Near the end of the show, Garth sang a song by one of his major influences, "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. I have that song on CD, and I've listened to it hundreds of times, but I've never heard it quite like I did last night. There's a very simply line... "he knows that it's me, they've been coming to see, to forget about life for a while." The stories he weaves help people let go of everything outside the doors of the bar, concert hall, or stadium where he plays - and that's what we ALL should be doing.
17 years after Garth made me fall in love with the spectacle of his live show, he has made me once again fall in love the power of its simplicity. He made me give a damn.
I look forward to passing that on.
YEAHCOMEON
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The Late Late Show…part deux!
Such a great experience to play The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson again. Craig is amazing…to give me an opportunity to showcase my music to the world, and then to invite me back for a SECOND time - I really don’t have words. There’s no end to my appreciation for Craig and what he’s done for me.
If you don’t watch the show, first off - start. It’s hilarious, and it’s unlike any of the other late-night talk shows. Craig is definitely his own brand of kickass. Second, you can still catch the performance at my youtube channel.
But really, start watching the show.
YEAHCOMEON!
- Dukes
If you don’t watch the show, first off - start. It’s hilarious, and it’s unlike any of the other late-night talk shows. Craig is definitely his own brand of kickass. Second, you can still catch the performance at my youtube channel.
But really, start watching the show.
YEAHCOMEON!
- Dukes
Friday, March 22, 2013
So long, Nashville!
Well, we played Nashville. IT WAS AWESOME. Three shows in four days, at three separate venues. The week started off with "Whiskey Jam" at Winners in Midtown. We played a quick three-song set at this collection of songwriters and bands, and then slipped over to "Losers" next door. The duo there was fantastic, and there were tons of folks in there just having a good time. Chart-Topper Chris Young was even spotted milling about. Then we had a day off to rest from the road before back-back show nights at Red Rooster off Music Row and The Silver Dollar Saloon at Broadway and 2nd! Both of those shows were full-showcase slots where we were able to play nearly the whole album.
I recorded a new song on Wednesday morning. I'm not exactly sure about the release plans for it, but I'm extremely happy with the music we laid down, and I'm looking forward to putting the vocals on it!
At Red Rooster, we met Paris Delane, a Nashville Songwriter who wrote the #1, "Lover, Lover". A big, soulful man, Paris sounded like he was straight out of Blues Heaven. His amazing combination of vocal range and heartfelt lyrics made for a memorable experience. Then, he hung around for our show...and after we were done, Paris asked to come up and jam with us for a bit as well.
All in all, Wednesday was a pretty fantastic Birthday. Then, on Thursday night, we got onstage at Silver Dollar and brought the house down! People were cheering after every song, and many came up to ask us about the band afterwards. It's such a blessing to be able to play my own music on Broadway. When you walk up and down the strip, you hear amazingly talented singers singing the hits from the radio. You hear Garth's music, and Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson and Johnny Cash. But, at The Silver Dollar, we were able to sing Ben Dukes Music....and that was something I will never forget.
We spent four days in Nashville, played three shows, and left with countless great memories (and at least 6 pairs of new boots). Can't wait to see what the final week of tour holds in store!
YEAHCOMEON!
I recorded a new song on Wednesday morning. I'm not exactly sure about the release plans for it, but I'm extremely happy with the music we laid down, and I'm looking forward to putting the vocals on it!
At Red Rooster, we met Paris Delane, a Nashville Songwriter who wrote the #1, "Lover, Lover". A big, soulful man, Paris sounded like he was straight out of Blues Heaven. His amazing combination of vocal range and heartfelt lyrics made for a memorable experience. Then, he hung around for our show...and after we were done, Paris asked to come up and jam with us for a bit as well.
All in all, Wednesday was a pretty fantastic Birthday. Then, on Thursday night, we got onstage at Silver Dollar and brought the house down! People were cheering after every song, and many came up to ask us about the band afterwards. It's such a blessing to be able to play my own music on Broadway. When you walk up and down the strip, you hear amazingly talented singers singing the hits from the radio. You hear Garth's music, and Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson and Johnny Cash. But, at The Silver Dollar, we were able to sing Ben Dukes Music....and that was something I will never forget.
We spent four days in Nashville, played three shows, and left with countless great memories (and at least 6 pairs of new boots). Can't wait to see what the final week of tour holds in store!
YEAHCOMEON!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
On The Road Again...
Well, it has begun. The band and I packed up the trailer this morning, jumped in our Rock-It-Ship (yeah, our "tourbus" is called a Rock-It-Ship. Look 'em up - they're awesome) and started out on the road to SXSW. For me, it's a dream come true. Years of writing, singing, playing, and straight-up WORKING to make this thing a reality have culminated a tour that came about directly because of the fans.
We've been cruising down 210, I-15, and I-40, and it's been great thus far. I've seen desert, mountains, snow, rivers, dried rivers, Native American ghost towns, etc. This is what the road is. As I'm writing this, we've just pass3d what appears to be a completely dead shopping center.....next to a thriving Prison. Yep. America.
I love this country, and the music it has inspired. I am blessed to be a country musician, and I am blessed to be touring America to play my music for the people. I hope I'll see some of y'all out on the road.
Yeahcomeon!
- Dukes
We've been cruising down 210, I-15, and I-40, and it's been great thus far. I've seen desert, mountains, snow, rivers, dried rivers, Native American ghost towns, etc. This is what the road is. As I'm writing this, we've just pass3d what appears to be a completely dead shopping center.....next to a thriving Prison. Yep. America.
I love this country, and the music it has inspired. I am blessed to be a country musician, and I am blessed to be touring America to play my music for the people. I hope I'll see some of y'all out on the road.
Yeahcomeon!
- Dukes
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Pre-Production Meeting...
Today I had my pre-production meeting for The Album, and it was absolutely fantastic. Let me go ahead and say, I'm fairly good at tooting my own horn (and I know a thing or two about complimenting myself as well), but listening to myself play acoustic guitar and sing, while my producer and band leader are listening as well - not one of my favorite moments in life. However, they were both extremely receptive to what I'd done. I mean, ok, these guys are Nashville Pros, so they've heard country music a few times...but they way they truly seemed to get me, and my music - fantastic!
We listened to the tracks in Alphabetical order, and each one was a surprise to me, as I'd never grouped them that way. I gave them my notes, they gave me theirs, and we hashed out what appears to be a great plan for attack this recording session. I was a little apprehensive at first. I mean, I hurried to download skype at 11:55am so that I'd be ready for the meeting at 12. I was worried that I might hear something like "what were you going for on this" or "do you really think this break belongs here?" But I didn't.
No, both Chip Hardy (prod) and Rod Lewis chimed in with their suggestions, but each time it was directly in line with what I'd been thinking anyway. It's amazing when there's no music in the air, but we're hearing the same tune in our heads. Seriously. Amazing. There's not another word. "I'm thinking fiddle on this track....what if there's banjo here, would that scare you? I'm thinking lap steel would really give it an edgier sound here..." these are the kinds of phrases I had thrown at me.
Now don't get me wrong. We had the occasional disagreement, and I would defer to their knowledge of music, or they would defer to my feelings on the song, but we never really butted heads. No quibbling, no debating - just collaborating and coming up with the best solution to deliver each song in the best way possible. At this moment, I could not be any happier with what we came up with. The issues I had with some songs were cleared up. The feel of each song was clearly defined. The album has truly begun to take shape.
I now lie in anticipation of the first studio day. The day when I will hear my songs take flight. I am looking forward to the path we travel together.
Yeahcomeon.
We listened to the tracks in Alphabetical order, and each one was a surprise to me, as I'd never grouped them that way. I gave them my notes, they gave me theirs, and we hashed out what appears to be a great plan for attack this recording session. I was a little apprehensive at first. I mean, I hurried to download skype at 11:55am so that I'd be ready for the meeting at 12. I was worried that I might hear something like "what were you going for on this" or "do you really think this break belongs here?" But I didn't.
No, both Chip Hardy (prod) and Rod Lewis chimed in with their suggestions, but each time it was directly in line with what I'd been thinking anyway. It's amazing when there's no music in the air, but we're hearing the same tune in our heads. Seriously. Amazing. There's not another word. "I'm thinking fiddle on this track....what if there's banjo here, would that scare you? I'm thinking lap steel would really give it an edgier sound here..." these are the kinds of phrases I had thrown at me.
Now don't get me wrong. We had the occasional disagreement, and I would defer to their knowledge of music, or they would defer to my feelings on the song, but we never really butted heads. No quibbling, no debating - just collaborating and coming up with the best solution to deliver each song in the best way possible. At this moment, I could not be any happier with what we came up with. The issues I had with some songs were cleared up. The feel of each song was clearly defined. The album has truly begun to take shape.
I now lie in anticipation of the first studio day. The day when I will hear my songs take flight. I am looking forward to the path we travel together.
Yeahcomeon.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Quite an amazing feeling
For the past month, I have been involved in a Kickstarter project. I first had the idea to "Kickstart" a music project about two years ago, when I wanted to cut my first EP. I didn't do it - I didn't feel the timing was right, and I didn't feel that I should ask others to pitch in and help pay for something that was going to really serve only me. I don't know, it just didn't sit right with me. I was still interested in the format, though. So, I researched it. I looked into artists who had completed successful projects, and tried to establish common threads between them - how had they done it, and how could I also do that in the future?
One thing I noticed was that the successful projects seemed to come from folks who had some kind of established fanbase. They weren't just asking friends and family to pitch in, but fans who appreciated their work as well. I felt this was key. Also, most of the successful projects had an element of humor to them. People who took their art and their work seriously, but didn't take themselves TOO seriously - that was what worked. Successful projects had cool, creative rewards. It wasn't just an incremental scale-up of a product, like 1CD for $10, 4 CDs for $60, etc but rather a collection of unique rewards that would spark interests at different levels. Lastly, successful music projects were seemingly always built on what they should be - good music. The artists had honed their craft, proven themselves, they had put in the work. This is paramount.
Armed with that information, I set out to "make something of myself" so that when the right time came, people would actually be willing to invest in something I'm doing. I wrote songs. I played acoustic nights. I played band gigs. I worked with different band members and different venues, and different instrument lineups. I worked on my storytelling and on my presence. I worked on my music. And, eventually, I met with some incredible luck. I was able to put my work on the national stage - and picked up some fans as a result. I spent money I saved on an EP, which was digitally distributed, and I picked up some fans as a result. I worked on my webpage and my facebook page and my twitter presence...and picked up some fans as a result. Slowly and surely, I began to feel more confident in my ability to connect with people through music.
And then, late last year, I received the information that I'd been accepted into SXSW. This was no small feat, and it would require some serious output by me in order to fully realize the potential of this opportunity. So, I began saving to cut an album. I thought to myself...maybe I could kickstart the album. Maybe now was the time. But no, I felt that I should fund the album alone. It's my work, and if people want to buy it, they will show me their support of it in that way.
Another idea followed, though. If I was already going to be spending money to pack up a band and go to Austin Texas, shouldn't I see if I could play other dates? Artists tour to support their albums, right? Since I'm doing a new album, shouldn't I tour as well? THAT would be the kickstarter, I thought. It would show me if there are people out there who would support a tour. It would be focused on much more than simply cutting an album to sell at shows or to attempt to be put on a label. No, the kickstarter would be focused on truly KickStarting my music career - on getting the music out to the people on the road. If I was going to ask people for their hard-earned money, I was going to do something with it that would benefit many others, not just myself. And so it began.
The response has been absolutely incredible. I couldn't have predicted it. I set the KickStarter goal at $5,000 - something I thought was relatively attainable, but all the while I had a desire to hit $10,000. I'll be honest, this is the one part of it in which I was timid. I had initially set the goal at $10,000...but dropped it to five on the night of the launch. I just didn't know if I could inspire $10,000 worth of pledges, and since KickStarter is an All-Or-Nothing fundraiser, I didn't want to risk coming up short. I wanted the people to dictate how far I could tour - but I definitely didn't want to risk not being able to tour at all.
Now, here I sit, 31 days after launching the kickstarter. It ended at midnight last night, and when all was said and done, not only had my backers obliterated the $5,000 goal, but they had crashed through the $10,000 ceiling as well. The final tally, $10,277 was far more than I could have ever expected. I am very humbled by the support of over 150 people who showed their excitement for my project. The artistic life can often be a lonely one, as you feel you are solitary in your pursuits. But, I now know that as I travel the highways and byways of this country, taking my music into dive bars and such, I will be doing so with a small army behind me. I will not travel this road alone, as I now have a large family of backers who believe in what I'm doing. I no longer am responsible only for myself, but for those people as well. They are my fans, and they are with me in my heart always.
That is quite an amazing feeling.
Yeahcomeon!
One thing I noticed was that the successful projects seemed to come from folks who had some kind of established fanbase. They weren't just asking friends and family to pitch in, but fans who appreciated their work as well. I felt this was key. Also, most of the successful projects had an element of humor to them. People who took their art and their work seriously, but didn't take themselves TOO seriously - that was what worked. Successful projects had cool, creative rewards. It wasn't just an incremental scale-up of a product, like 1CD for $10, 4 CDs for $60, etc but rather a collection of unique rewards that would spark interests at different levels. Lastly, successful music projects were seemingly always built on what they should be - good music. The artists had honed their craft, proven themselves, they had put in the work. This is paramount.
Armed with that information, I set out to "make something of myself" so that when the right time came, people would actually be willing to invest in something I'm doing. I wrote songs. I played acoustic nights. I played band gigs. I worked with different band members and different venues, and different instrument lineups. I worked on my storytelling and on my presence. I worked on my music. And, eventually, I met with some incredible luck. I was able to put my work on the national stage - and picked up some fans as a result. I spent money I saved on an EP, which was digitally distributed, and I picked up some fans as a result. I worked on my webpage and my facebook page and my twitter presence...and picked up some fans as a result. Slowly and surely, I began to feel more confident in my ability to connect with people through music.
And then, late last year, I received the information that I'd been accepted into SXSW. This was no small feat, and it would require some serious output by me in order to fully realize the potential of this opportunity. So, I began saving to cut an album. I thought to myself...maybe I could kickstart the album. Maybe now was the time. But no, I felt that I should fund the album alone. It's my work, and if people want to buy it, they will show me their support of it in that way.
Another idea followed, though. If I was already going to be spending money to pack up a band and go to Austin Texas, shouldn't I see if I could play other dates? Artists tour to support their albums, right? Since I'm doing a new album, shouldn't I tour as well? THAT would be the kickstarter, I thought. It would show me if there are people out there who would support a tour. It would be focused on much more than simply cutting an album to sell at shows or to attempt to be put on a label. No, the kickstarter would be focused on truly KickStarting my music career - on getting the music out to the people on the road. If I was going to ask people for their hard-earned money, I was going to do something with it that would benefit many others, not just myself. And so it began.
The response has been absolutely incredible. I couldn't have predicted it. I set the KickStarter goal at $5,000 - something I thought was relatively attainable, but all the while I had a desire to hit $10,000. I'll be honest, this is the one part of it in which I was timid. I had initially set the goal at $10,000...but dropped it to five on the night of the launch. I just didn't know if I could inspire $10,000 worth of pledges, and since KickStarter is an All-Or-Nothing fundraiser, I didn't want to risk coming up short. I wanted the people to dictate how far I could tour - but I definitely didn't want to risk not being able to tour at all.
Now, here I sit, 31 days after launching the kickstarter. It ended at midnight last night, and when all was said and done, not only had my backers obliterated the $5,000 goal, but they had crashed through the $10,000 ceiling as well. The final tally, $10,277 was far more than I could have ever expected. I am very humbled by the support of over 150 people who showed their excitement for my project. The artistic life can often be a lonely one, as you feel you are solitary in your pursuits. But, I now know that as I travel the highways and byways of this country, taking my music into dive bars and such, I will be doing so with a small army behind me. I will not travel this road alone, as I now have a large family of backers who believe in what I'm doing. I no longer am responsible only for myself, but for those people as well. They are my fans, and they are with me in my heart always.
That is quite an amazing feeling.
Yeahcomeon!
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