Have you ever considered crowdfunding your artistic project? The prospect can be daunting as an artist- not only for the technical learning curve but for perhaps the more significant hurdle: being an artist and asking for help.
Erin Blackstock, an independent artist, faced a similar challenge when she decided to crowdfund her upcoming record.
The Indie Distributor wanted to explore Erin’s journey and how she overcame her reservations to seek help, harness the power of community support, and create a quality album reflective of her passion for music.
“I hate asking for help.”
Initially resistant to the idea of crowdfunding, as Blackstock admits, “I hate asking for help,” the encouragement from her producer, Joel, led her to embrace crowdfunding as a necessary step towards getting the right funding for her project.
Even though Erin was hesitant to ask for money knowing well the many urgent needs out there, her commitment to her music and trust in the community’s kindness to back true artistry gave her the nudge she needed to reach out.
Blackstock’s goal was clear: to create a quality album reflective of her dedication and passion for music. The response, though only meeting half of her financial target, was overwhelmingly positive.
The Indie Distributor: How did you decide how much you needed and what you were going to fund?
Erin Blackstock: I just thought of it as a whole, like, you know, six songs $2500 a song, and then I just based it upon that. The $2500 would include the production fee, mixing mastering transportation, etc. Not every producer has the same price. You have to figure out the actual amount that it’s going to cost and go from there. I could have asked for $30,000, the limit is up to you. But it has to be realistic and has to be something that people believe in. I included the whole breakdown of where the money would go in the actual campaign, just to give supporters a clear idea of where the money would go.
The Indie Distributor: What made you decide on the platform you ended up using?
Erin Blackstock: I went with Indiegogo because it gives you the flexibility to set your funding limit at any amount. Even if you don’t reach that limit, you still get to keep the donations you received. On the other hand, Kickstarter requires you to set a specific funding goal, and if you don’t reach it, you won’t receive any money. GoFundMe works similarly to Indiegogo in that regard. However, Indiegogo offers additional options such as perks and packages that people can buy instead of just donating.
The Indie Distributor: I remember your campaign included different tiers of donation, and for some donations, you gave out rewards.
Erin Blackstock: Yeah I offered various perks. For a $60 donation, supporters would receive a mini merch bundle, including a hat, a t-shirt, and a CD. A big reward was a solo one-hour house concert for $500. I also created two string art options; one featuring my logo and another with a guitar face. Indiegogo also provided an option for people who wanted to contribute any amount without selecting a package, starting from $10.
The Indie Distributor: How did you get the word out about the campaign to your supporters?
Erin Blackstock: I did a video expressing my need for support, highlighting how difficult it was for me to ask for help. Being open about my vulnerabilities and insecurities, I talked about the importance of community support to continue my work. This video was shared across all my social media platforms, and my website, and attached to my newsletter sent to my email list.
The Indie Distributor: Did you have a promotional plan mapped out, or was it more organic?
Erin Blackstock: I’ve never been one to stick to a plan, so promoting my crowdfunding campaign was pretty much a day-by-day thing. It was a mix of sharing, maybe oversharing at times. Honestly, just thinking about starting the campaign made me cringe. I’m not a fan of this part of the process. But Joel, my producer, convinced me it was worth a shot, mentioning other artists who’ve succeeded this way. While I wouldn’t call it a massive success, it did bring in some extra funds for the album. Putting myself out there was tough, and I’m still a bit embarrassed about it, but being vulnerable and using every platform available, despite the cringe, was important.
The Indie Distributor: If you’re talking to other artists about getting into a crowdfunding campaign, what advice would you give them?
Erin Blackstock: Setting realistic goals is key. Don’t ask for more than you need. It’s all about knowing exactly what you’re going to use the money for. And the perks, make them doable. Like, a friend of mine offered a ceramic mug made by a local artist along with her CD. I didn’t go that route this time around, but looking back, collaborating with local artists could’ve added so much value, not just to the campaign but also it would have helped their business. It’s a win-win. Gets them more exposure and supports local talent. If I ever do another campaign, I’m definitely including other locals in it.
Community, Not Cash
Erin’s adventure into crowdfunding was much more than just drumming up some cash; it was about feeling that genuine bond with her fans and the wider community. It’s clear from her story that crowdfunding isn’t just a lifeline for indie artists; it’s a chance to connect, share the love for music, and show that with a bit of grit and a lot of heart, you can reach your goals in today’s music scene.
Erin puts it simply: music is her true love. That raw honesty and passion? It’s what makes her journey so relatable and truly inspiring, reminding us all about the magic that happens when artists and their communities come together.
Check out Erin Blackstock’s original music via these links:
www.facebook.com/erinblackstockmusic
www.instagram.com/ekblackstockmusic
https://linktr.ee/erinblackstock
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Note: This interview was conducted by a human, and the article was written by a human. Software was used to transcribe the interview and AI was used to check spelling and grammar. The photos are authentic and taken by a human.