Month: May 2013

Successful Crowdfunding With You And Me

Successful Crowdfunding

I got hooked up with a new PR firm a couple of weeks ago. One of the things we talked about is getting funds together to break through the stratosphere for music promotion. Part of that goal includes making use of a style of funding that I had been loath to attempt – crowd funding. They helped me to see to some light on the subject and now I’m gearing up to go for a campaign for successful crowdfunding with you and me. New territory.

Hesitations

What I’ve seen from a vast majority of bands/musicians that have attempted this route is utter failure. Mostly because they’re underestimating what they need to get something done right. Then they’re not pushing it correctly with enough help and without a compelling reason. All that = a recipe for disaster.

Getting It Together

Mind you, I’ve done my budget. I’ve got it all figured out. While the amount I know I need isn’t realistic from a crowd funding situation, I do believe that I can achieve the goal if it’s done in stages and with help. Thankfully I’ve got the initial step of help. All the people who are going to be involved with the recording have stated they’re up for helping out too. First step is the recording of 18 songs.

Currently I’m in the midst of researching all sorts of things involved with doing a successful crowdfunding situation and started putting together the initial information for a site called PledgeMusic (they’re the peeps I’m going to use for this adventure). I’ve got one more book to devour about how to do it right. Then it will be off to the races.

Your Ideas

I’ve put together most of the levels of funding/donations for the campaign. Since it’s still in flux, I’m happy to accept input as to what you would want from me as a gift and what it’s worth. I’ve got some good ones, but I can always use more.

Once my new PR partners feel comfortable, we’ll launch it. It’s bold. It’s exciting. Being that I’m taking a leap of faith to attempt something I’ve poo-pooed in the past. I’m understanding why lots of them have failed and I don’t wish to make that same mistake. It also helps that I just came from a meeting about angel investors and they were talking the glories of crowd funding as well. Didn’t hurt that I also met a couple of angel investors whom may want to jump in on the situation.

Here’s my early desire from you

I’m going to need your help when I get this campaign going. Thus, if you’re not on my email list – please fill out the Unity 42 list by clicking on the link in the upper right (I know you see it). I’ll keep you informed as to what day it will launch and how you can help. I’ve got some great things that will happen if I happen to overshoot my goal. Be a part of the magic and a successful crowdfunding campaign with me and a great batch of music.

2013-05-07
Iron Man 3 And Hero Unexpected

Iron Man 3

Oh hell yeah. Today is the day that Iron Man 3 opens in theaters. As rockstars go, I’m an Iron Man geek. The first Iron Man is likely my favorite superhero movie of all time. Robert Downey Jr. has been the perfect choice for Tony Stark – no if’s and’s or but’s. The right amount of wit, sarcasm, narcissism, and fun = pure entertainment. Thus I decided to put my little cap on and mash up the video of the early trailers for Iron Man 3 and added Hero Unexpected as the soundtrack.

Here’s my result:

Why would I do such a thing?

The answer is: for fun.

However, there’s another reason, that reason is, I’ve had numerous industry friends tell me that Hero Unexpected would be perfect for superhero movies, but in particular it’s this movie they cite – you should have it in Iron Man. Mind you, it’s not for a lack of effort to get it in the movie(s). Well, for the first one it was. For the second one, the song did get into the hands of the music supervisor – who apparently really loved the song. For whatever reason the stars weren’t aligned for him to make use of it in Iron Man 2 and instead they opted to roll with AC/DC’s Highway To Hell.

At some point I believe Hero Unexpected will make the jump to the big screen. Until then – enjoy this video mashup of Iron Man 3 (and some Iron Man 2) clips as edited to tell the story of Hero Unexpected. Share amongst your Marvel friends and fans as well.

*** UPDATE ***

I wanted to reserve judgement on Iron Man 3. Mostly because between Iron Man and Iron Man 2 – my favorite was Iron Man. Having now seen Iron Man 3, I believe I have a new favorite with Iron Man 3. Holy shit, this movie had it all (with minimal flaws). Action, humor, and great visuals. I did see it in IMAX 3D, which is something I only do if I’m a real fan of the franchise – as I normally hate 3D effects. The only movie so far where I felt the 3D was done right and didn’t irritate my eyes and give me a headache was Prometheus. While the 3D effects in Iron Man 3 were really great, there were still elements of it that gave me a headache. This was a minimal issue. If you want my recommendation – GO. SEE. THIS. MOVIE.

2013-05-03